Agonizing_Gas's Blog - 2old2play

Growing pains at Digg?

If you're unaware of the social news site digg.com, it's definitely worth checking out. It's a site where people submit stories that interest them, and other users can "digg" the story, voting it up and possibly becoming more popular and hitting the front page, or "bury" the story, which will lead to less popularity and fewer reads. It's a great way to access a wide variety of news, videos and pictures from around the web by just visiting one site. This social news submission site has become quite popular, but with popularity comes some issues.

Historically, Digg is a tech news site (that may not be entirely true, but that's how I first ran into it, and this is my blog, so...). It is a great resource for finding stories for your inner (and even outer) geek. The tech area is filled with stories about iPhones, HDTV's, software, gaming, PC's, etc. I used to have a nerdgasm pretty much any time I logged on, as there were always interesting stories about rumors and new tech that I might not have run across on my own. Digg's popularity has attracted all kinds of new users, and the site in general has become more mainstream.

The new users on Digg have brought about some issues for the hardcore users. The first issue is content submission. If you read comments on submitted stories, you'll see people asking how in the hell that particular story ever was submitted, much less dugg up to the front page. The hardcore crowd doesn't seem to much care for the casual content, and their comments reflect this.

The second aspect of content submission was recently addressed with a large ban of certain user accounts that were using automated processes to submit and dig stories. I don't really understand the point of being a top contributer on a social news submission site like Digg, and it truly boggles my mind as to why anyone would "cheat" to get there. I guess it's to prove how little of a life you have, or how great your web surfing prowess really is. If someone wants to explain that to me, I swear I'll be a good listener. Don't get me wrong, I play World of Warcraft, so I understand how people can throw their lives away online.

Lastly, in regards to content, is the issue of duplicate submissions. It seems like many of the people submitting content to the site don't actually read the site, and you can see the same story (or a blog about the story) referred to two or three times on the same page. While I don't mind redundancy, it's a little bit of a drag to click a link and find that you're viewing a page that you just read a few minutes prior. Often times, two or three submissions of the same article even make it to the front page, which could be edging out something that could be more of an interest to the reader.

Regarding computers: from a glance at Digg, Linux is the new Mac. Like Windows and Macintosh, Linux is an operating system for computers. It has a very strong following, but the following is very small and vocal. Before Apple introduced the first iPod, the future was looking pretty bleak for them. Mac users have been, and probably always will be, somewhat fanatical and proud and loud. On Digg, there are constantly stories about how to switch to Linux, what tools and commands Linux users should use, which version of Linux is best, etc. There are still regular stories about Windows and Macintosh, but Linux seems to be the new underdog that the techies are trying to push. Outside of the more technically minded user, Linux has a long road to be in as many homes as the Mac, which is still struggling work a chunk of Microsoft's desktop dominance.

Lastly, when it comes to politics, Digg can be easily dominated by essentially three groups: Democrats, Republicans and Ron Paul fans. A lot of the stories and videos submitted are great to read, regardless of party preference. However, Digg stories can all be Pro-Obama/Anit-McCain at one glance, then completely the opposite later in the day. It's generally fair to say that there will always be a Ron Paul "I told you so" story of some sort in the mix.

The point of this last observation is that it is possible to manipulate Digg. For instance, a group of Pro-Obama folks and digg up a story about McCain's failings, and then a Barak is a Muslim story could be the next most popular story. And a lot of it isn't even news, it's opinion or blogs like this one. And since anyone can make an account, there's no real way to prevent an organization from digging submissions to promote itself. A fine example of this is the Huffington Post, which has dozens of articles submitted every day. Legitimate or not, there doesn't appear to be a system of checks and balances.

While Digg's growth has brought some challenges, it also brings a lot of perks. Stories that the mainstream media may not cover can get to more people to read. Mainstream media has even started to embrace Digg, with articles asking Diggers to submit questions for interviews, etc. The pros outweigh the cons, and I'm confident that as the site will continue to be one of my favorite homes on the web.

[4 Comments]

The closing of the one game era

Before the Xbox 360 came out, Xbox Live players played one game: Halo 2. That's not to say that players weren't playing other games, but the one that brought people together (as evidenced by this site) was the second game in Bungie's trilogy. You could count on your friends list being active every night, and your clan smacking down fools in matchmaking or in intra-site clan challenges. It was a simple time, and the gaming was good.

Even after the introduction of the 360, Halo 2 remained king over XBL. Newer, slightly prettier games were coming out, but the lobby and matchmaking system kept Spartans and Elites shooting it out on the new hardware. Games like Call of Duty 2 and Perfect Dark Zero promised to lead the way for a new generation of online gaming, but neither had any real long-term interest. The real contenders to overthrow Halo 2 from the top of the play-time list didn't show their faces until about a year ago, with Gears of War and Call of Duty 3.

When these games came out, Xbox players started to fragment. Some shrugged at the new offerings and went back to the tried-and-true Bungie title. Others became avid players of their new titles, loving the chainsaw and the roadie run in GoW. Yet others like the game options and first-person feel of CoD3. The usual crowd on XBL became diverse and even shrunk a little as some had just lost interest in Halo 2 and none of the newer titles really interested them enough to make regular appearances.

The Xbox crowd continues to divide as more and more good titles come out. Halo 3 even seems like something of a recent memory since Orange Box and CoD4 came out. But it isn't just the shooters taking the spotlight and pulling players in different directions. Single player games like Bioshock and Mass Effect have taken a toll on the online numbers, as have Rock Band and Guitar Hero 3. In addition, the PS3 is still slowly chugging along here in the states, and the Wii remains out of stock just about anywhere you look. PC games like Crysis and WoW will also have an impact on the XBL crowd. So as the masses divide, each finding their gaming niché.

Speaking of Halo 3, why did it just breeze by? I know people are still playing it, and that it isn't a bad game, but something was just missing. Or perhaps it was too familiar. After two years of playing Halo 2 nearly every day, Halo 3 just felt like too much of the same. Had it been changed too much, it would have suffered for not being Halo. As it stands, new weapons, equipment and maps are fun, but it's still Halo, and gamers appear ready for something new. I'm looking forward to the next map pack for H3, as I think the included maps where the biggest let down for me. I'll probably only download and play them for a week or two then head back to my role-playing addiction. I miss the classics from Halo 2, which somehow never really got to feeling old. I also missing seeing everyone on my friends list playing the same game, not because it was the only thing out, but because it was like coming home. But as more players go their separate ways, I doubt that we'll ever see a console game dominate an online service did like Halo 2 did.

[5 Comments]

Pay me for advice

Here's an advice column that I read out of the local rag while I was on my lunch today (spotted it because it was next to the comics):

Carolyn: My boyfriend is very stable, responsible and loving. But I'm really attracted to someone else. He's like me, more artistic and creative. They are complete opposites. Does this mean I don't know what I want? The scary thing is Boyfriend and I have talked marriage. I dunno if this is just me being nervous. He would make a wonderful husband and amazing father. The other guy I don't see working out long-term. - Los Angeles

Los Angeles: Being married to someone who isn't a good spouse or parent eventually will affect how much you like that person. People seem to understand that on an intuitive level. What I think people often miss is that if you don't like someone, then that person won't be a good spouse or (to a lesser extent) parent. As a how-much-do-I-really-like-him meter, pick the true statement:
A) You've always dreamed of having a guy be as lukewarm to you as you are to your boyfriend.
B) The other guy would be perfect for you, if you had a future.
C) Your boyfriend would be perfect for you, if you only liked him more.
D) Your choices are limited to either the boyfriend or the other guy; you can be neither single nor with any other man on Earth.
E) The right guy will make this the biggest non-decision you ever make.

(Hint: You're right.) - Carolyn

I think that the direction that the columnist took to provide advice (did she provide any? I don't really see anything that looks like advice. And was she trying to be funny?) really address the writer's concerns? Wasn't the writer really asking if she should risk possibly losing the best thing she's ever had just to go have a fling with some hot guy she wants to get dirty with?

When we're younger, and even as we get older, it's my belief that we have the dream that the hot guy or girl that we just want to have hot, sweaty, porn-star sex with will turn out to be the dream spouse, the one that we always imagined being perfect for us (okay, maybe that's just my dream). It's a case of "the grass is always greener" because we're in a committed relationship and some days, just about anything looks hotter than your current partner. Regardless of the reason behind it, I think that we will always run into people that we "click" with, and those that will tempt us. For instance, men are wired by nature to feel the need to mate with as many women as possible. Not all follow that urge, but no matter how much people don't like to think about it, I think men and women will both look and think "what if?" if for no other reason than just the sex.

I'd wager that outside of "Celebrity Exception Lists" that some couples may jokingly make (if I see celebrity name, and they want to have sex, I love you baby, but...), I'd say that a lot of folks don't talk about it. Some couples might, but even then I don't think that it's 100% honest. If it were, a lot of guys would go home with a list of names to report on, and some women might as well.

Now, to get back to the writer's letter. She has met a guy with whom she feels she shares physical chemistry. I assume this because she didn't see there being much of a future with the guy she's attracted to. The question she asks is: "Does this mean I don't know what I want?" I think it's clear that she's hasn't acted on her attraction because she knows she's with a great guy. The question is really this: Is one of these guys the guy? Is the perfect partner out there? For this woman, is there a guy that will satisfy aspects of the two different kinds of guys that she seems to like? If you're married, is your wife or husband the one? Or is it just a fairy tale? Should the woman settle for the guy she is presently with because she knows he'll be kind, loving and a great father?

[1 Comments]

Overwhelmed by gaming goodness

So, after being on a cruise for 2 weeks to Alaska, I have come back to the release of Halo 3. I've also got a hankering to play some WoW again, but it feels good to playing a new yet familiar game.

The cruise itself spoiled me. It was my first, and I didn't realize how little you have to do when you go on one. Have fresh sheets and towels daily, three gigantic meals each day, ocean and mountain views right from the boat... I did pretty much nothing for 14 days and I loved it. Alaska and the Pacific Northwest were incredible, and I hope that I get another chance to go. Hell, any cruise would make me happy. It would be a perfect escape to take with a girlfriend or spouse. By the end of week 2, I was almost ready to come back. Almost.

Halo 3's campaign rocked! I sat down and played the single player game, finishing it on Heroic, before logging a single multi-player game. The campaign reminded me of Halo 1's, except without the repetitive environments. I'm presently focusing on matchmaking so that I can unlock the last few achievements I need to deck out my Elite in some sweet armor. I'm a little grumpy that it's unlocked in FFA multi-player, but I'm determined to get it all unlocked. The hardest one for me to get will be the "Steppin' Razors" achievement. That's getting a Triple Kill with a sword, and the other one that I have left is "Overkill," which is 4 kills within 4 seconds of each other. Some king of the hill game would be good for that I'd think... I've yet to even tinker with Forge yet, for the last Forge I played with (the map editor to Bungie's Marathon series) sucked away weeks at a time while I made maps for the regular LANs that I went to.

I have a desire to play WoW again too. But with Halo 3's new sexiness, it's hard to go back to WoW when I've been playing it so much before I left. It's been a good break, and I don't think I've really played in about 3 weeks or so. Anyone who's played and been sucked in knows that 3 weeks is a real haul. I have toons on both 2o2p PvP servers that I want to level. I think I've decided to take my BE rogue to 70 with HotH and I'll level my druid and another toon with the fine folks in Helter Skelter. I've been considering just throwing in the towel completely on my WoW career (how much grinding and how many alts can a guy really do?), but I do want to get in some end-game stuff with my rogue. It's just a long haul to 70, she's still only @ 40-something.

Well, back to Halo for a bit before bed. If you see me online, I'd love to get in some custom games. And, yes, WoW buddies, I'll be back in the not too distant future. Don't consider me retired yet.

AG

[1 Comments]

The ESRB is for what again?

Tonight I saw a story on digg.com that talked about how a judge declared that a law restricting the sale of violent video games to minors is unconstitutional. Now, in the great state of California, I guess it's okay for minors to buy whatever games they want. Having worked at a game retailer, I know that parents don't pay nearly enough attention to what their kids are playing. Mature-rated titles are going to be sold to anyone.

While I agree that the responsibility belongs to parents as to what their children play, I disagree with taking away the one restriction that tries to pick up where a lot of parents slack off. If we think about why it's unconstitutional to discriminate by age, we can get rid of the MPAA as well. If kids can buy whatever game they want, why can't they go to whatever movie they want? Buy whichever CD they choose? Have a beer? Smoke a cigarette?

Sadly, if an M game comes out with nudity (most likely even that of a statue, as was the case with Oblivion), it will be restricted in sales. So I guess that the only way to keep violent games out of the hands of kids is to but the naked human body in the game somewhere. If you look at the ruling by the judge (available in PDF format on the interwebs), the definition of violent games was explored. One of the approved activities is torture. Dismemberment was another. Again, I cringe in embarrassment that we, as a country, endorse graphic violence, but blush and turn away when a woman unbuttons one too many buttons.

[9 Comments]

E! News ftw!

So the other night I was watching one of America's last relevant news shows, the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Since I don't have time to sit at home all day and watch C-SPAN, CNN, or Fox News, it's good to have a resource for a summary of the important events that I have missed. Tonight, there was discussion of the attire of our presidential hopefuls. Apparently, the news of the world or the events at Capitol Hill are less important than observing that our presidential candidates don't want to dress to sharp for fear of appearing gay. While I will concede that gay men have impeccable fashion sense, I don't honestly see how this breaking story is worthy of national attention. Also included in the summary was the observation that Hillary Clinton showed cleavage for the first time in her campaign. This prompted me to ask myself: would I vote for her boobs? Or any woman's for that matter? Would you vote for boobs? It may be her biggest advantage over the the other Dem candidates and I hadn't even thought about it until our national news services decided that it should be brought to our attention. How could I have missed such an important issue? I guess I must have skimmed right over it on BBC's website.

So, Hillary Clinton is sporting cleavage? Now, this is may be news since she is the only female candidate, but rest assured that if there were multiple female candidates, cleavage would have been an issue way earlier on, or at least exposed much earlier. After all, women right now are rocking the vote. If we look at the 2004 presidential vote numbers, men only had about a 56.3% turnout of registered voters, while women had a 60.1% turnout. The physical numbers match the percentages, with more women voting than men. Should more cleavage make an appearance at debates, it's arguable that more men would register to vote, as sex tends to sell, regardless of what it's selling. The presidential speeches might be more appealing. Would more men watch the news if the President of the U.S. had partially exposed breasts at every press event?

Speaking of partially exposed breasts, let us not forget about Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. These women can't control themselves and our media can't control themselves either. I've seen news reporters trying to gain credibility by making a big deal about not reporting about these loose women. However, they ultimately fail because the news stations seem to want to be more like E! than an actual news source. Not only does our government need something of an intervention, but our media needs a complete overhaul. Instead of what celebs did what, they should be trying to educate their viewers.

Until that overhaul happens, I'll be watching my mock news shows and cheering on Presidential Hooters.

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A few notes

A while back, I talked about my grandmother who's (whose? damn grammar) health is failing. She's been incredibly strong-willed and is still putting up the good fight. On the other hand, her mental state is deteriorating. She's convinced that everyone is out to get her. For instance, she thinks that both my mom and step-dad are sneaking into her house and stealing stuff to sell so that they can make money for their non-existent drug addiction. She's called the police so often that they actually picked her up and took her in for a mental evaluation. The tricky thing is that she's incredibly sharp most of the time. It seems that her overactive imagination is so vivid that when she's alone, she believes whatever her mind makes up as the truth. She insists that my mom has also been dropping off a little girl at her house, though I have no sister, nor are there any young girls that my mom could leave at my grandmother's. The list goes on, but her trust in her own family is dwindling away, and it's incredibly sad. I guess there's finally enough evidence that she needs to be in an assisted living facility (speaking of which, I can't believe how hard it is to get enough evidence for it), so I guess that will be the focus for her next book of poems. That is if she's still writing of course.

I've decided to put up a space for myself on the internet. Not a community or anything, just a place for me to put crap that I like, links to that which interests me, and some photos. I'm thinking of having a desktop picture of the week kind of thing, in an effort to help give me a focus for my photography. It'll give me an excuse to spend a day of each week driving around absorbing the state of California with my lens. I think it'll be a good way to track the progress of my artistic skill with a camera. I'll put a link to it when it's up and running, but for now, just this friendly warning will have to do.

Been really busy at work, getting overtime (which is nice because I'm broke), and I still really dig my job. Of all the things that have come of my divorce, my job has got to be the best of my luck. I work with great people, sell great products, teach people new things, and just bs about things that I like. I can't ask for much more, but I'm trying to get promoted, or at least work on a development plan to get moving ahead. Gotta keep moving up and making more money so I can get back to a more rural area one day. Montana has been calling my name since the day I left and I'd love to make it back there. Oh, on a work related note, the iPhone comes out on Friday. Have you seen the new demo video? I can't wait. I feel like I'm 7 and waiting for Christmas. This week could possibly be the longest of my life.

More to come later in the week perhaps. Been meaning to blog a bit more, but just haven't gotten around to it.

Edit: Had a cool idea about the photos and the desktop pattern idea. Of course it involves my latest obsession... A place to get iPhone wallpapers. Zomg, I'm such a nerd. Can't wait to get started...

[3 Comments]

Ok, so now it really begins

A while back I titled a post "And so it begins," and then nothing happened. The post was about losing weight, exercising and eating better. Shock and amazement, I continued to eat out for every meal, did nothing to exercise, and sat on my ass. Well done! All things considered, it was a huge success.

So, I'm not going to boast that I've lost 100 pounds or anything, but I have started exercising, and it feels great. I can never remember why I stop exercising, but I can always remember how good I feel when I do. I've been walking about an hour and a half every day (which is a lot for a slug like me) and cut fast food out of my diet (which means a complete revamp of my intake) for about a week now. I think the proverbial switch has finally flipped, and I can't wait to be in better shape.

I took my "fat" pictures today, so I can have an image in front of me to remind me why the hell I should be exercising. I plan to take the same pics about once a month, to try to keep track of progress. I'm not overly concerned with hitting a weight goal (yet), I'm just more concerned about seeing some progress. I feel more energy and feel like progress is being made, but the pictures are a great way to motivate myself. I wanted to post this here, so I can come back and have a reminder about how good it feels to be active, to have a slight burn in my legs after a long walk, to be out in the sun. Walking for now, more to come later. Keep at it!

[3 Comments]

A night at the movies

My usual evening consists of unwinding with an hour (or a few) of WoW, then turning on the television to search the several hundred channels that I subscribe to through cable for a movie to watch. Ordinarily I settle on a mindless action flick or a comedy. No matter what I pick, I end up staying up way too late, regretting my decision the instant my alarm fires up the next morning. Tonight I chose a drama, one that I hadn't seen before. United 93.

When the movie World Trace Center came out, I was sickened by the fact that someone would want to reproduce the events of September 11, 2001. While a few years had passed, I couldn't help but think about the families that lost loved ones, the graphic images that we replayed over and over in the weeks and months after the attack. Do we really need reminders like this? Aren't we still bearing the scars? I felt about the same emotional response when I heard about United 93.

After watching the movie, I'm surprised to find how much those images still tug at me. The movie discusses the events of the hijackings that happened that day, as well as the response as it was unraveling by the FAA and US military. As the title suggests, it focuses more on the only plane that did not hit its intended target, United 93. Watching the morning unfold again is just as harrowing today as it was five and a half years ago. And while bumper stickers can still be seen declaring their patriotism and inability to forget, I think that we can't help but lose the magnitude and weight of such events. It's a result of the passage of time fading over the horizon, more atmosphere gets between us and the things we should remember.

I think that people should watch movies like this for the same reason that they should watch Flags of our Fathers, When Trumpets Fade, Blackhawk Down, Saving Private Ryan or the HBO mini-series Band of Brothers. We watch movies to remember the sacrifices, the selflessness, the heroism, the brotherhood. We watch so that we don't forget that others have died for the lifestyle that we are afforded every day.

One day soon I plan to watch World Trade Center. Not because I'm dying to see it, but because I should not just be reminded every September to bow my head and think of those who were lost. I will watch to remind myself. I will watch because there are people that were there that lived through it, people who lost their family members and friends, people that choked on the dust of the crumbling buildings, and no matter how far they distance themselves, they are really the only ones who will truly never forget.

[1 Comments]

Violent video games are bad (gasp!)

In a recent story on MSN, a study shows that violent video games can lead to more aggressive preteens and teens. Just the headline of the article indicates that video games are bad, as it includes "Warning:" at the beginning. The article then goes on to discuss both sides of the debate, and states the EU (whoever the hell that is) is pushing to ban violent video games in Europe or at least create uniform laws to prevent the sales of such games to minors. A total ban seems a bit like over kill, but the article is quick to get the correct spin on why it should be okay.

Quote: "Here in the U.S., there are laws that prevent the sale of adult-rated video games to minors. One problem: The Entertainment Software Association reports that more than 80 percent of mature-rated violent video games played by kids are purchased or rented with knowledge or approval from parents."

Um, that's a problem? For who? If the parents understand that the kids are buying violent video games, then the responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of parents. Game makers and the ESRB are doing their part. Game retailers have to do their part. So how is it the gaming industry is to blame?

(Before I continue, I'd like to mention that I discovered who the selling of violent video games to minors is a problem for: Me. When I want to enjoy a good mature title on XBL, it annoys me to no end to have to deal with 10-16 year old, foul-mouthed, racist, neglected miscreants. It's not my job to teach you manners on XBL, and I'll be damned if I'm going to pay to play with the likes of you. If I could, I'd charge a babysitting fee every time I log on)

Back when Clinton was running for office, he talked about family values, and it’s not something I've heard about since the 90's I don't think. I think headlines are misleading, aiming blame at industries that can take the fall, rather than pointing the finger at those directly responsible. Parents. Perhaps the press should take a look at parenting habits in the early 21st century. If they did, I'm sure we would see more accurate and shocking headlines such as:

Family values at an all time low

Parents too self-centered to actually give a damn about their offspring

TV, movies and video games will not raise your children into people that you will actually like

Parenting: It's not for everyone (yes, we're looking at you)

Why you should have had a vasectomy

Now, I could have gotten on board with the "video games are bad" theme if they had been discussing obesity. However, when they talk about the amount of time that kids play or how violent games effect them, I can't do anything but point at the media. It is the misdirection of the media that is contributing to the fall of family values. The placement of blame on anyone but those that are actually responsible is an act that must come to a stop. Only once an issue is brought to light can action be taken and progress be made.

[8 Comments]

Gaming to escape (duh!)

Recently I've come to the sad realization that I play games way too much. While it's been obvious for a long time, it's not something that Ive wanted to let myself admit to. It's like finally coming to grips with your crack addiction or trying to pry your lips off of a bottle that has become entirely too comfortable in your hand. And it wasn't family or friends that made me see the light, it was actually one single game that has eating away at me for over a year. Not surprisingly, this game is World of Warcraft.

If you've kept up on my blog, you'll know that I've been going through some trying times over the past year or so. Actually, it would be safe to say that the past couple years have been fairly rough for me personally. Finally, I'm starting to feel a bit like myself again, and I'm displeased with how much WoW I play, and how much real life I pass on actually living just so I can have one of my characters learn a new spell or grab a rare drop off of some monster. Now, I don't consider it all a loss of time, as I've met some folks and made some friends that I might not have if I hadn't given the free trial of WoW that I got a shot. A few people in my guild have become a daily fixture in my life, and I think that they are harder to walk away from than the game itself. Some of these friends have been there for the darkest period of my adult life, and others have helped me get past that period and given support when I didn't have anyone in "real life" doing it in the same way. I don't think that any of the people in my guild will realize how important they were to me over the past few months (year?) nor will they ever know how much they helped. If any of you guys read my blog, I thank you from my heart. You guys and gals rock.

The anonymity of the internet allows you to be more honest and open than you might be able to be with those in your daily life. I was able to tell my tale and have people reply without influence from other people involved in my daily drama. I could lend an ear to others when they needed to vent, and it made us fairly close without really having to go through much together to get there. I think the same sort of closeness occurs in Halo clans and the like, but I really think that WoW (and possibly other MMO's, as I haven't tried any others), but I think that competition and testosterone get in the way of letting it happen as quickly and completely. Alas, as usual, I'm starting to stray...

Escape is an obvious reason to game. It's interesting to me though that it's something that I do with my male friends as a casual activity. Some people watch TV to turn off the brain, some people have poker nights to get the boys together, yet others watch sports almost as a religious experience. I am a gamer. When I get home, I fire up 2o2p, see what's going on, log in to WoW, and set my mind on neutral. It's how I relax, it's what I enjoy and I don't see that changing in the immediate future a huge amount.

So, if I don't have my mind set to give up gaming, wtf is the point of this post? While I don't see myself dropping my WoW account (now at least), I do see myself focusing more on things that are important to me in "rl". I want to work on my photography, I want to work on my writing, I want to see more of this world than that of the one Blizzard has seduced me with. I want to reconnect with my XBL friends, as a few of them were around to help me get by as well, even though I was off exploring and losing myself in Azeroth. Most importantly, I want to focus on taking care of myself, which I've made claims to do, but never followed through on. I hope to be a new man (slightly smaller in size) when the LAN comes, and I plan on being in Chicago if I can afford to go

[4 Comments]

iPhone

Just announced today was Apple's iPhone. I had recently been waiting to buy a video iPod until after Mac World to see what was announced, and I'm glad I did. I will now hold out for the sweetest phone on the planet. I'm a bit sad that it won't be out until June, but I don't really mind the wait. Gives me time to save up. If you haven't seen the phone (and the features), it's a must-see for any technology fan. I'll not spoil your fun by listing the specs here, but it's damn cool. Works with both the Mac and PC. Don't cheat yourself and just look at the pic, read the specs and watch the quicktime demos. You'll be waiting in line behind me this summer to buy one.

The worst part of the iPhone is that it's partnered with Cingular, whom I have had bad experiences with. In order to use the phone, I'd have to swallow some pride and give the carrier another chance. I suppose I'm a big enough man to forget the past, so long as I get to hold and use that sweet piece of technology.

iPhone ftw!

[2 Comments]

Area fucktard gives up gaming

While this is old, I said in my last post that I wanted to repost these stories in my blog. I could bookmark them in the forums, but I'm kinda proud of them. They took some time to write, and I've since been trying to write a finale. With other shit going on in my life, it hasn't been the biggest priority, but now it's something I can once again put my creative focus on. Right after I get some sleep....

Lexington, NE - In a move that left adult gamers stunned, 13 year-old Timmy Smith has given up gaming. "I was such a jerk," he explained. "I didn't see how annoying and disrespectful I was. You know what they say, hind sight is 20 something."

Last week, Smith's gaming career reached it's climax, chalking up 36 kills in an online game of Halo 2's Team Training Assault. He marveled at his own skill. "I pwned you bitches," he said in the post game carnage report. "You're all a bunch of n00Bs and I pwned you. You guys must suck, 'cause I got 36 kills. I had, like, 50 medals too, you bunch of fags. Even my teammates sucked my balls. If it weren't for me, you niggers would have lost. I even sang "Cherry Pie" the whole friggin' time, and I still pwned you."

The trash talking continued even after everyone else had left the room. That's when Smith realized he had a problem. "I couldn't believe that they didn't want to hear about how skilled I am, or hang out with me in a party. I tried to send them friend requests, but they all declined 'em. I started to get angry with the fact that they wouldn't stay and take what they deserved. Maybe it was all the team kills. That's when I started to realize that I might have a problem."

Smith's parents, Gary and Linda, also sensed that their son might have a problem. "I'd wake up in the middle of the night to go to the can, and I'd hear Timmy swearing and singing at people that he was playing with online," Mr. Smith said. "At least I think he was playing with others online. Anyway, I'd check in on him, and he'd tell me that everything was fine, and that he was just making some new friends."

"I don't know what could ever have done this to our sweet little boy," Mrs. Smith said. "Ever since he got on that Xbox Now or whatever you call it, I've been so worried about him. Not only because of what I hear coming from his mouth, but because you never know what kind of creepy old men might be out there trying to seduce our child. I mean, just look at Michael Jackson. I thought he was gay, but into kids? That's sick!"

"What really brought things to a head, was when he started using his smack talk at the kitchen table," Mr. Smith explained. "We don't have a dining room, so our table's in the kitchen. Anyway, Timmy started saying stuff like "Pass the taters, bitch," and "Gimme some desert, or I'll no-scope your ass." We don't really know what that means, but we're a little uncomfortable with it."

"I'm such a fucktard," Smith said with tears swelling in his eyes. "If only I'd have known what an intolerable pile of shit I'd become. No one on my friends list likes me any more, and I'm really not that good. I cheated my way up to a 37 before the reset, but now I'm stuck at 18. I'm the n00B, I'm the one that sucks."

Smith went on to say that he's giving up video games, and taking up sports. "I just want to be a part of something where ego's never get in the way. What a better place than a team sports environment?"

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Been a while

So, I've been MIA on the whole blogging thing for a while. It's my first Christmas without my wife, which is just plain weird. In November I went to OK and got my things. Seeing my wife reinstated my feelings for her, but too much time has gone by, too much has changed for us both. She has a lawyer working on divorce papers, so I guess I'll be seeing those sooner or later, and it'll be nice just to have some closure on an issue that I've been whining about for about 9 months or so. I worry about her more than myself, and I just want her to be happy because she doesn't ever seem to be any more. I feel responsible and helpless at the same time, but I know it's up to her to make herself happy, just as I need to do that for me.

Since moving to CA, I have gotten a job that I really enjoy (selling computers for a manufacturer that encourages you to think different). I'm surrounded by great people, sel a product that I use and enjoy, and meet new people every day. I think this job is the first thing that has really been part of a turn in luck for me. I like the company, the products and the people, something I haven't had in a job for a very long time. I just hope that I'm able to make enough to pay for my apartment, car and other bills and still have enough to put away to one day get out of here. I'm not a big fan of CA. But it'll do for now.

Been playing WoW a bit lately. Being a single guy, I can do that as much as I like I suppose. I've got a character that I want to get to 60 before the expansion comes out next month, but I don't know that I'll make it. I have games on my 360 that I want to play, GoW, Viva Pinata, and RB6: Vegas. The Halo 3 commercial and VidDoc both make me excited for the upcoming game that will tear me away from WoW. At least for a while....

I'm planning on copying and pasting the Timmy stories here in my blog, as I think that I'll be writing the last installation in the near future. And even if I never get around to it, I think I'd just like to have them in my blog. I'd like to do more writing in general (news & reviews, stories and even some poetry, I haven't written the last in a few years) but I keep putting it off. I was thinking posting my stories into my blog might give me the kick-start that I need. Or it might just put 2 more entries into my blog. Either way I win....

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Working on your swing

For years sex (and the events leading up to the act) have been associated with baseball. The whole "getting to first base"" or "scoring" thing has been in use for a very long time, and it's a tired comparison to a sport that has over the years lost some of its magic. To be honest, I learned about the bases as early as middle school (though I was a naive youngster that would have loved to get a base hit, not knowing that others my age were hitting doubles or better somewhat regularly, a fact that still disturbs me to this day), but never really talked about the reference myself. Not being much of a baseball fan, I just kind of thought about it for what it was, not a clever way to tie sex into a sport analogy.

While I never caught on with the baseball I could see sex being easily portayed by a full round of golf. For instance, the term "Hole in one" speaks for itself. Getting more general, golf covers the full cycle, from dating to being married. I'll explain.

Before a round of golf, you have to make a reservation at the course that you want to play at, similar to making a reservation for that important first dinner out. As you get ready, you hope that you do well, remember to take everything you need, and don't fuck up too badly. You're hoping to have some fun, and if you get the ball in the hole, so much the better. In the back of your mind, you think about trying not to drink too much (you might have to drive home later after all), and you hope you have enough money on your debit card to cover the greens fees. The goal: Get in the hole with the fewest number of strokes. Once you get to the course, you're slightly nervous, kind of excited, and anxious to take your first swing. Some folks warm up a little with some putting, which is another metaphor that speaks for itself.

After warming up a little, maybe cracking your first beer or having a drink at the bar, you're ready to tee off and get started. Like your shots at flirting and testing her sexual interest, you're anxious to get out there and see how you're going to do. If you're not a season golfer, you can take your frist swing and completely miss. The ball is right there, laughing at you from the tee as your club whisks by, not even disturbing the grass. Gotta keep your head down, stay focused. If this happens, you're hoping you're not in a large group, as its the kind of thing that your friends will never let you live down. In this event, the test is on, seeing how you recover and how your next swing follows through. The rest of the first hole is just finding more out about your limits and generally getting a feel for the course. Sometimes you're hitting straight down the fairway, indicating it's an easy day (or night) ahead of you, while other times you're hitting out of bounds (and not making any sort of connection). In some cases, you lose your balls, and you might as well just pack up your club and go home.

After the first hole, you're starting to feel more relxed. The initial tee is out of the way, you've swung your club around a few times, and you finally got into the hole. Might not have been in the number of strokes you had hoped for, but the end result is the same. Speaking of strokes, par could be compared with the number of dates you might beed to go one before you hit the sack with your partner (ie, I think this girl you're seeing is about a par 5, and I bet $10 that you can't get an eagle).

As the day (date or relationship) wears on, and the beer maid comes by on her beer-filled cart a few times, you care a little less about the number of strokes it takes to finish a hole. Sure, you'd still like the hole in one to have bragging rights, but you've resigned youself to the fact that this isn't the day that it's going to happen. As a matter of fact, you don't think it'll ever happen, but the dream is still there. Besides, a friend-of-a-friend got one, so you know it's possible. On top of that, regardless of how you really do, all your pas will only hear about what a rock star you are.

Other references can be made to golf, just using the terms of the game. For example, having your lie in the rough. Or being on the fringe. Of course clubs and balls and holes (those were my only three jokes through this whole blog entry). Watar hazards (a girl taking your date to the bathroom because they have something to talk about), sand traps (saying something stupid and bringing yhour progress to a grinding holt, where it's going to take swing after swing after swing to get out of the mess you've made)...

The comparisons are endless. I challenge you to come up with your own comparisons to golf and post them here in the comments of this blog entry. I'm sure there are some priceless ones that I have missed, but the important thing is to get the word out. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go work on my short game.

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