6.17.2010
6.07.2010
ZOMG, Baltimore, WTF
Seriously.
So over the weekend a Baltimore City police officer shot some dude 6 times (fired his gun 13 times) outside of a bar because- wait for it- the dude grabbed the ass of the officer's female companion. Needless to say, the dude is dead.
Additional fun facts:
1.) Baltimore City police are required to carry their fire arms at all times when within city limits. On or off duty.
2.) Our culprit has been in trouble before for shooting people while under the influence.
3.) McNulty! (end of video totally not work safe.)
I don't have anything to say about this because seriously, what.the.fuck. Though in closing, I would like to remind those of you playing along at home that The Wire was not just a show.
So over the weekend a Baltimore City police officer shot some dude 6 times (fired his gun 13 times) outside of a bar because- wait for it- the dude grabbed the ass of the officer's female companion. Needless to say, the dude is dead.
Additional fun facts:
1.) Baltimore City police are required to carry their fire arms at all times when within city limits. On or off duty.
2.) Our culprit has been in trouble before for shooting people while under the influence.
3.) McNulty! (end of video totally not work safe.)
I don't have anything to say about this because seriously, what.the.fuck. Though in closing, I would like to remind those of you playing along at home that The Wire was not just a show.
6.04.2010
Falcon 9 Is Go!
At 2:45pm EST SpaceX's Falcon 9 successfully made its first launch. This came after several delays (weak signal from the Failure Termination System, a sailboat in the red zone, and an abort due to the rocket entering safe mode). A heartfelt congratulations to the folks over at SpaceX. We were pulling for you.
Oh, and for anyone who's never done a live feed for a launch? Highly recommended.
SpaceFlightNow and SpaceVidCast are streaming the post show press show.
Oh, and for anyone who's never done a live feed for a launch? Highly recommended.
SpaceFlightNow and SpaceVidCast are streaming the post show press show.
6.01.2010
More Truth In Advertising
So the following monstrosity greets weary travelers as they exit Baltimore's Penn Station:
Right. Just take a look at that sucker.
This isn't exactly new. It's been up since June of 2004. Not exactly to rave reviews. In fact, I don't really think I can say I know a single person who doesn't hate it.
But you know what? It has it's...value merit worth purpose it serves a (dubious) function well. Namely: Truth in Advertising.
This is Penn Station:
Not a bad looking piece of architecture there, right? Classic. Elegant, even. Now, just think about the fact that this piece of shit:
was plopped down in front of that gorgeous building.
The inside of the station has the same classic feel as the outside, so when people leave the station to be confronted by that...thing, they tend to have certain reactions.
1. What the shit?
2. You can't tell me someone thought that was a good idea.
3. I hope you horse-whipped the bastards.
4. How long until it's gone?
These sentiments also happen to be very common when confronting Baltimore as a whole.
Furthermore, the glaring horror of that "statue" (and the process by which it came to be) right next to Penn Station (and, ironically, mere blocks from Maryland Institute College of the Arts) is sort of a Baltimore in miniature, where no matter how nice of a neighborhood one may find oneself in, it is almost a certainty that one is no more than 3 blocks from The Wire.
So, bravo, hideous eyesore joke of a public art piece and your horribly humiliating location (also visible from a major highway). And bravo to you, cabal of tasteless bastards, who got it there.
Right. Just take a look at that sucker.
This isn't exactly new. It's been up since June of 2004. Not exactly to rave reviews. In fact, I don't really think I can say I know a single person who doesn't hate it.
But you know what? It has it's...
This is Penn Station:
Not a bad looking piece of architecture there, right? Classic. Elegant, even. Now, just think about the fact that this piece of shit:
was plopped down in front of that gorgeous building.
The inside of the station has the same classic feel as the outside, so when people leave the station to be confronted by that...thing, they tend to have certain reactions.
1. What the shit?
2. You can't tell me someone thought that was a good idea.
3. I hope you horse-whipped the bastards.
4. How long until it's gone?
These sentiments also happen to be very common when confronting Baltimore as a whole.
Furthermore, the glaring horror of that "statue" (and the process by which it came to be) right next to Penn Station (and, ironically, mere blocks from Maryland Institute College of the Arts) is sort of a Baltimore in miniature, where no matter how nice of a neighborhood one may find oneself in, it is almost a certainty that one is no more than 3 blocks from The Wire.
So, bravo, hideous eyesore joke of a public art piece and your horribly humiliating location (also visible from a major highway). And bravo to you, cabal of tasteless bastards, who got it there.
5.20.2010
5.18.2010
Injury Update...And Other Update Type Things
Went back to work April 22nd- which, it was nice to get out of my apartment and have things to actually do. Discovery: I don't write well when half of my body is out of commission and in varying degrees of pain. (Though maybe given enough time I could acclimate and become an even better writer? No. Don't want to test that.)
Cast came off of the wrist today. Now I have one of those Velcro splint things. It's funny (and a little weird) seeing how much my arm has atrophied over the past few weeks.
So sure, my injuries have something to do with my being away, but honestly I just didn't know what to say.
I found a new webcomic.
I also recommend checking out Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei. It begins with out titular character trying tohang himself make himself taller. Beautifully animated to boot.
Cast came off of the wrist today. Now I have one of those Velcro splint things. It's funny (and a little weird) seeing how much my arm has atrophied over the past few weeks.
So sure, my injuries have something to do with my being away, but honestly I just didn't know what to say.
I found a new webcomic.
I also recommend checking out Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei. It begins with out titular character trying to
4.21.2010
People Want To Hold Signs In The Rain Today
First we have a group of students protesting the closing of their school by the Archdiocese. Enrollment dropped by 500 students, so...probably not gonna win that one. Still, they win best sign for "Archbishop aborts Cardinal Gibbons". It's nice to see kids love their school.
On the opposite end of the spectrum (and a few blocks away) we have a small gathering of (presumably) local hippies celebrating(?) "existence day". By holding up signs by the end of the park. Okay, let's take a second here, because this is the kind of shit that makes people hate hippies. Making a spectacle out of something sacred is so incredibly gross. It's like pretending to speak in tongues to appear pious or holy, or holding an orgy in the middle of the street because sex is just about growing closer. Or maybe I'm just sick of people's spiritual talk-talk. Don't say it, just fucking be it.
On the opposite end of the spectrum (and a few blocks away) we have a small gathering of (presumably) local hippies celebrating(?) "existence day". By holding up signs by the end of the park. Okay, let's take a second here, because this is the kind of shit that makes people hate hippies. Making a spectacle out of something sacred is so incredibly gross. It's like pretending to speak in tongues to appear pious or holy, or holding an orgy in the middle of the street because sex is just about growing closer. Or maybe I'm just sick of people's spiritual talk-talk. Don't say it, just fucking be it.
4.20.2010
Truth In Advertising...
...albeit, probably unintentional.
So i'm watching the O's game (depressing, but not as bad as last night which was almost suicidal) and during the break for the 7th we get the following from the announcer: Tonight's game has been brought to you by Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey, reminding you to please drink...(wait for it...wait for it...) responsibly.
Right?
Also? I got the stitches out of my left knee today so yay!
So i'm watching the O's game (depressing, but not as bad as last night which was almost suicidal) and during the break for the 7th we get the following from the announcer: Tonight's game has been brought to you by Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey, reminding you to please drink...(wait for it...wait for it...) responsibly.
Right?
Also? I got the stitches out of my left knee today so yay!
4.09.2010
Opening Day
So I sucked up my injuries and braved the crowd to today's game. There was the usual guarded hope, if a bit more pessimism than previous several seasons.
The game was good. Seriously good.
But what most people will remember is that the O's would have won if not for Michael Gonzalez, who was literally booed off of the field. I've never seen a Baltimore crowd go after one of our own like that.
If today's game is any indicator this is going to be a bumpy season for both players and fans tired of having defeat snatched from the jaws of victory.
The game was good. Seriously good.
But what most people will remember is that the O's would have won if not for Michael Gonzalez, who was literally booed off of the field. I've never seen a Baltimore crowd go after one of our own like that.
If today's game is any indicator this is going to be a bumpy season for both players and fans tired of having defeat snatched from the jaws of victory.
4.05.2010
Like...Seriously?
This may be the saddest thing I've seen in a while. Finer parties have told better jokes than I can manage so I'm going to just add "what the hell, people."
Seriously, What.The.Hell. Nothing says "desperate pathetic loser" like completely abdicating all responsibility for attaining the basic minimum of social skills required to meet a girl and arrange a gaming session (without having to pay). I mean...you're not even gonna have sex with this person. There will be no longing looks. No cuddles. No pimply nerd grease awkward making out. Not even D&D themed cyber sex. This is even sadder than chat room dating and that's pretty damn sad. What I'm saying here, is that anyone who has to pay people to play video games with them online should make a rope out of their filthy tube socks and hang themselves with it because they have officially failed at life.
You know what should happen when you use Game Crush (as a paying client- I can understand being a payee because that's just opportunism at it's fucking finest)? The minute you arrange your "play date" your door bell rings. You answer it and lo and behold standing on the other side is God, who then proceeds to bitch slap you for all He's worth (which, you know, is probably a lot). He then tells you that you're the most pointless creation He ever thought of. He laughs at your tears (which smell like gravy). Then, out of a newly discovered sense of shame and propriety you go back into the basement and hang yourself with the tube sock rope, making the world a better place. Congratulations! The End.
Seriously, What.The.Hell. Nothing says "desperate pathetic loser" like completely abdicating all responsibility for attaining the basic minimum of social skills required to meet a girl and arrange a gaming session (without having to pay). I mean...you're not even gonna have sex with this person. There will be no longing looks. No cuddles. No pimply nerd grease awkward making out. Not even D&D themed cyber sex. This is even sadder than chat room dating and that's pretty damn sad. What I'm saying here, is that anyone who has to pay people to play video games with them online should make a rope out of their filthy tube socks and hang themselves with it because they have officially failed at life.
You know what should happen when you use Game Crush (as a paying client- I can understand being a payee because that's just opportunism at it's fucking finest)? The minute you arrange your "play date" your door bell rings. You answer it and lo and behold standing on the other side is God, who then proceeds to bitch slap you for all He's worth (which, you know, is probably a lot). He then tells you that you're the most pointless creation He ever thought of. He laughs at your tears (which smell like gravy). Then, out of a newly discovered sense of shame and propriety you go back into the basement and hang yourself with the tube sock rope, making the world a better place. Congratulations! The End.
4.02.2010
Burn, Burn, Your Eyes Are Gonna Burn....
Some companies really shouldn't be online. Because I think we've just proven that there is such a thing as bad publicity.
3.21.2010
3.19.2010
And We Though Amanda Was Losing It!
Before we get into things, I just want to cover a few things.
I've signed up for the frakking text blast for The Caprican. That's how much I love this show. I didn't even do that shit for BSG- though now I sort of wish I did. But that's like a frakking threshold thing right there.
Also? Sister Clarice is totally channeling Caprica Six.
Now on with the show!
The previouslys have Amanda! Excellent because I love her so much already. The previouslys helpfully remind us that she's going totally crazy right now- like more than usual- (or at least she totally thinks she is.)
I love how Joe and Daniel are both trying to find their daughters and both frakking up all over the place. Joe by being the biggest n00b ever and Daniel by just being desperate bullying asshole. Like the shit that dude does this week. So frakked.
Into the real game and Joe Adama is cubing the frak up.
But what I really want to talk about is how, unbelievably enough, Daniel Graystone's relationship with the Zo-bot manages to be even creepier and grosser now that he knows Zoe.2 is in there. Seriously, between this shit and the whole "rip off your arm" thing you can kind of see the world ending right before your frakking eyes.
But this is his desperate grief. Motherfrakkers trying not to drown will drown your ass in a heartbeat just trying to stay afloat. They don't mean to do it, but you're is still underwater. So in his desperation not to drown, Daniel hammers at his daughter.2 with everything in his arsenal. And it's ugly and terrible and just unbelievably sad. But mostly horrifying. Because seriously, this is what's going on: His daughter is dead and he kidnapped her avatar because "a difference that makes no difference is no difference at all", then he thought he lost that too, but now maybe not, so he engages in actual psychological war against her to get her back. Which, people do this shit to each other all the time, just without the giant robot bodies. And it's just as successful in real life as it is in this show.
And on the polar opposite end you have Joe Adama, who's back in his robe and bumbling around Grand Theft Caprica. Does he even go to work these days? I wonder if Bill has gone back to hanging out with the Tauron mafia. Anyway...Joe becomes a virtual stim-junkie and after a heart to heart with brother Sam, he takes a level in bad ass and finds a lead- a GTC cabaret and a wall of painted flowers. It's looking like daddy's little girl is making a new home for herself. His new guide points as much out, suggests that he takes his dork self back to the real world (and you know, his not dead son- though until Joe snaps out of it he's actually better off being raised by the mafia and grandmom), and Joe gets out his sad thinky face. Again.
Oh, and Vergis tells Amanda that Daniel totally had three people killed in order to steal his MCP while Daniel is downstairs trying to get Zoe.2 to talk to him by having her shoot the dog! Don't worry. The gun was loaded with blanks and it turns out that Zoe new the whole time- but wait! In the matrix she confesses to Lacy that if there had been real bullets in the gun she might have shot dear old crazy desperate dad!
This!Frakking!Show!
So next week is the season finale. I'm so excited!
I've signed up for the frakking text blast for The Caprican. That's how much I love this show. I didn't even do that shit for BSG- though now I sort of wish I did. But that's like a frakking threshold thing right there.
Also? Sister Clarice is totally channeling Caprica Six.
Now on with the show!
The previouslys have Amanda! Excellent because I love her so much already. The previouslys helpfully remind us that she's going totally crazy right now- like more than usual- (or at least she totally thinks she is.)
I love how Joe and Daniel are both trying to find their daughters and both frakking up all over the place. Joe by being the biggest n00b ever and Daniel by just being desperate bullying asshole. Like the shit that dude does this week. So frakked.
Into the real game and Joe Adama is cubing the frak up.
But what I really want to talk about is how, unbelievably enough, Daniel Graystone's relationship with the Zo-bot manages to be even creepier and grosser now that he knows Zoe.2 is in there. Seriously, between this shit and the whole "rip off your arm" thing you can kind of see the world ending right before your frakking eyes.
But this is his desperate grief. Motherfrakkers trying not to drown will drown your ass in a heartbeat just trying to stay afloat. They don't mean to do it, but you're is still underwater. So in his desperation not to drown, Daniel hammers at his daughter.2 with everything in his arsenal. And it's ugly and terrible and just unbelievably sad. But mostly horrifying. Because seriously, this is what's going on: His daughter is dead and he kidnapped her avatar because "a difference that makes no difference is no difference at all", then he thought he lost that too, but now maybe not, so he engages in actual psychological war against her to get her back. Which, people do this shit to each other all the time, just without the giant robot bodies. And it's just as successful in real life as it is in this show.
And on the polar opposite end you have Joe Adama, who's back in his robe and bumbling around Grand Theft Caprica. Does he even go to work these days? I wonder if Bill has gone back to hanging out with the Tauron mafia. Anyway...Joe becomes a virtual stim-junkie and after a heart to heart with brother Sam, he takes a level in bad ass and finds a lead- a GTC cabaret and a wall of painted flowers. It's looking like daddy's little girl is making a new home for herself. His new guide points as much out, suggests that he takes his dork self back to the real world (and you know, his not dead son- though until Joe snaps out of it he's actually better off being raised by the mafia and grandmom), and Joe gets out his sad thinky face. Again.
Oh, and Vergis tells Amanda that Daniel totally had three people killed in order to steal his MCP while Daniel is downstairs trying to get Zoe.2 to talk to him by having her shoot the dog! Don't worry. The gun was loaded with blanks and it turns out that Zoe new the whole time- but wait! In the matrix she confesses to Lacy that if there had been real bullets in the gun she might have shot dear old crazy desperate dad!
This!Frakking!Show!
So next week is the season finale. I'm so excited!
In Case You Haven't Heard
Caprica is the best frakking thing on TV right now. Seriously.
It's funny. I didn't think I would like it, and the pilot did little for me- but after two episodes it was wham! And now I'm hooked. I just had to let go and let it be it's own thing. It's totally worthy of the BSG legacy.
All of the things we covered before? So there. You want to talk theology? Caprica. You want to look at the line between "us" and "them"? Caprica. How much Bill Adama rocks (even in elementary school)? Caprica. We'll be doing occasional (and maybe more than) here.
It's funny. I didn't think I would like it, and the pilot did little for me- but after two episodes it was wham! And now I'm hooked. I just had to let go and let it be it's own thing. It's totally worthy of the BSG legacy.
All of the things we covered before? So there. You want to talk theology? Caprica. You want to look at the line between "us" and "them"? Caprica. How much Bill Adama rocks (even in elementary school)? Caprica. We'll be doing occasional (and maybe more than) here.
3.12.2010
What I've Been Getting Myself Into....
Slowly going the way of Steven DenBeste apparently. Anime and manga. Yeah. I know. Still, I've found some rather good items.
Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni is an excellent (and highly traumatizing) manga and the anime does a fantastic job of keeping the creepy in tact. You can find both mediums online. Apparently there's also a live action film (ye gods!), but I'm going to hold off on that until I finish the manga series at the very least.
I just started Tetragrammaton Labyrinth. It is...interesting. Also online.
The manga for Furi Kuri (FL CL) is, impossibly, even more bizarre than the anime- and the anime was...well..."If you want to understand FLCL, watch it from beginning to end. The desire will pass."
I've also been trapped in the link maze that is TV Tropes as you can obviously see from this post.
Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni is an excellent (and highly traumatizing) manga and the anime does a fantastic job of keeping the creepy in tact. You can find both mediums online. Apparently there's also a live action film (ye gods!), but I'm going to hold off on that until I finish the manga series at the very least.
I just started Tetragrammaton Labyrinth. It is...interesting. Also online.
The manga for Furi Kuri (FL CL) is, impossibly, even more bizarre than the anime- and the anime was...well..."If you want to understand FLCL, watch it from beginning to end. The desire will pass."
I've also been trapped in the link maze that is TV Tropes as you can obviously see from this post.
Glad To See That I'm Not Alone
From Television Without Pity:
Hell, even the character captions think the whole Jenny storyline is bullshit. Katee Sackhoff deserves better, show! Much much better!
Hell, even the character captions think the whole Jenny storyline is bullshit. Katee Sackhoff deserves better, show! Much much better!
2.05.2010
It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Blizzard.
So the snow had started coming down before I left for work. I will spend 1.5 hours on the clock today. I will then head to Best Buy (or Game Stop- both are loathed) and pick up Modern Warfare 2 or Bayonetta. Then off to the market to snag some frozen pizzas and the booze mart for some...well- booze. It's shaping up to be a long and glorious weekend filled to the brim with achievements. I'll see you on Xbox Live- totally before you see me.
1.15.2010
1.08.2010
1.07.2010
12.27.2009
So I've Been Thinking
Maybe we should just let the whole thing burn. Hell, let's speed it up. Whatever you can think of to expedite the destabilization and ultimate implosion of the current system? Do it. Then we'll start over from scratch- hopefully having learned the lessons of our current failure. Well, either that or let's buy an island and anyone who seeks to make a servant of their fellow man is kicked off.
Merry Christmas and a much belated Happy Hanukkah.
Merry Christmas and a much belated Happy Hanukkah.
12.14.2009
12.07.2009
I Still Can't Believe He's Blogging Anime
Steven Den Beste has a new and excellent (as usual) post up at Hot Air.
12.06.2009
"Good Morning Baltimore...."
In a Sheraton downtown- I mean right fucking downtown in the heart of the goddamn tourist district- a man was shot with a goddamn tech 9. I mean, Jesus fucking sonofabitching Christ, Baltimore.
This city fucking...just.
Every time I think I might not hate this city as much as I think I do Baltimore shows me that yes, yes I do hate it every last bit as much as think I do.
Frankly, when the worthless fucking shit stain gang members kill each other in their worthless fucking shit stain neighborhood I could give a rat's ass. Personally, I'm more than happy to let them kill each other off in their self created Mogadishu. I just wish they'd fucking stay there.
This city fucking...just.
Every time I think I might not hate this city as much as I think I do Baltimore shows me that yes, yes I do hate it every last bit as much as think I do.
Frankly, when the worthless fucking shit stain gang members kill each other in their worthless fucking shit stain neighborhood I could give a rat's ass. Personally, I'm more than happy to let them kill each other off in their self created Mogadishu. I just wish they'd fucking stay there.
12.04.2009
Okay.
So I was reading some stuff which made me hanker for a chance to start the world over. You know:
And then I saw this:
Santa's from Gallifrey, y'all! It all makes sense! World is better.
And then I saw this:
Santa's from Gallifrey, y'all! It all makes sense! World is better.
2012. Comedy Of The Year.
Whether or not it was intentional the enfant terrible behind Hollywierd's latest special effects gang bang has actually created a parody of disaster movies. The over saturation and over extension of numerous tropes combines to form a veritable Voltron of comedy.
For starters this movie fails science- all science- for eternity. It manages to fail astronomy, physics, quantum physics, oceanography, volcanology, seismology, and geology. That list probably isn't comprehensive. Seriously a planetary "alignment" (which they also add the center of the galaxy too via opening shot because why not) causes "mutant neutrinos" to "heat up" (I can only guess that they mean more than its usual state.) the Earth's core which then causes the crust to slide around (once again, we can only assume that they mean more than usual).
The ensuing disasters provide a backdrop for a stretch limo to corner like a Ferrari, jump like...well like all Hollywood vehicles with a floored accelerator, and outrun...an earthquake. Also an RV outruns a volcanic eruption. Yes. You totally just read that.
This movie delivers (spoiler alert) a tidal wave capsizing a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean, a mysteriously filling compartment in order to drown a character of "dubious" morality, boats which look like the spaceships in Star Ship Troopers (the movie), a rich people suck plot, international government conspiracy, screw the poor, and die for our ship.
2012 could actually be the most brilliant comedy ever.
For starters this movie fails science- all science- for eternity. It manages to fail astronomy, physics, quantum physics, oceanography, volcanology, seismology, and geology. That list probably isn't comprehensive. Seriously a planetary "alignment" (which they also add the center of the galaxy too via opening shot because why not) causes "mutant neutrinos" to "heat up" (I can only guess that they mean more than its usual state.) the Earth's core which then causes the crust to slide around (once again, we can only assume that they mean more than usual).
The ensuing disasters provide a backdrop for a stretch limo to corner like a Ferrari, jump like...well like all Hollywood vehicles with a floored accelerator, and outrun...an earthquake. Also an RV outruns a volcanic eruption. Yes. You totally just read that.
This movie delivers (spoiler alert) a tidal wave capsizing a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean, a mysteriously filling compartment in order to drown a character of "dubious" morality, boats which look like the spaceships in Star Ship Troopers (the movie), a rich people suck plot, international government conspiracy, screw the poor, and die for our ship.
2012 could actually be the most brilliant comedy ever.
12.03.2009
I...Well...Uh...That Is....
Five Virginia Department of Corrections officers have been charged with animal cruelty involving the fondling of a K-9 dog and videotaping the two incidents.
Remember kids, Virginia is for lovers.
This post has created a new tag because seriously. The hell you say?!
12.01.2009
On Charities
Let's start with some local flavor:
This weekend (12/05/09) Midtown Yacht Club will be celebrating the repeal of Prohibition with a Toys for Tots toy collection/fundraiser. Period dress is encouraged. As an added bonus it will be held in the area (formerly?) known as the Spy Bar. Party starts at 9.
Also some idealistic young locals are trying to open a free "store". Good luck to them on that. (Their web site is having some issues at the moment so here's an alternate link.)
Now onto the international scene:
My new favorite charity ever? A Chilean prostitute is auctioning off 27 hours of adult fun times to help out her country's disabled children.
This weekend (12/05/09) Midtown Yacht Club will be celebrating the repeal of Prohibition with a Toys for Tots toy collection/fundraiser. Period dress is encouraged. As an added bonus it will be held in the area (formerly?) known as the Spy Bar. Party starts at 9.
Also some idealistic young locals are trying to open a free "store". Good luck to them on that. (Their web site is having some issues at the moment so here's an alternate link.)
Now onto the international scene:
My new favorite charity ever? A Chilean prostitute is auctioning off 27 hours of adult fun times to help out her country's disabled children.
11.24.2009
11.22.2009
11.19.2009
11.08.2009
10.29.2009
I Guess That's One Way To Look At It
Apparently Nintendo is blaming the economy for the drop in Wii sales.
I'm sure that's part of it. But the less than glittering truth is that Wii sales benefited from gamer backlash over the initial price tag of the PS3. In fact, the slogan "Wii 360" was adopted by gamers who decided to only purchase Nintendo's Wii and Microsoft's Xbox 360 due to what was seen as exorbitant pricing on Sony's part. Now that the price of all three consoles has dropped, the Wii is basically left pushing its novelty which is backed by a generally unimpressive selection of gaming titles. Unfortunately for the Wii, its novelty is self defeating when it comes to most of the standard game genres- random stick waggling is a less efficient way to navigate action/adventure, fighting, and standard (non-Wii sports) model sports games than random button mashing.
Sorry, Wii. You were always destined to be a niche market product. It looks like you're finding out that niche wasn't a large as you thought.
I'm sure that's part of it. But the less than glittering truth is that Wii sales benefited from gamer backlash over the initial price tag of the PS3. In fact, the slogan "Wii 360" was adopted by gamers who decided to only purchase Nintendo's Wii and Microsoft's Xbox 360 due to what was seen as exorbitant pricing on Sony's part. Now that the price of all three consoles has dropped, the Wii is basically left pushing its novelty which is backed by a generally unimpressive selection of gaming titles. Unfortunately for the Wii, its novelty is self defeating when it comes to most of the standard game genres- random stick waggling is a less efficient way to navigate action/adventure, fighting, and standard (non-Wii sports) model sports games than random button mashing.
Sorry, Wii. You were always destined to be a niche market product. It looks like you're finding out that niche wasn't a large as you thought.
10.26.2009
Hold Onto Your Hats
Everyone's favorite scenery chewing actor is headed back to the silver screen this spring. Sure, Nicholas Cage's complete lack of subtlety and total commitment to over the top deliverance makes him ideal for horror films. But does anyone else feel that he's...I don't know...a little long in the tooth for the action hero roles he's been latching onto lately? Midlife crisis anyone?
10.24.2009
Rescue Ink
What's up Body-more? I did my good deed for the day. I paid $100 for the bellow tattoo. $50 went to the Baltimore Humane Society. $50 went to Rescue Ink. The good people of Baltimore Tattoo Museum volunteered their space, time, and artists.
So get out there and help save some pets!
So get out there and help save some pets!
10.23.2009
No More Ludicrous Than The Rest Of It
Left Coast Rebel informs us that the Minnesota Supreme Court has declared possession of bong water (at least over 25 grams of it) a first degree drug crime.
I'm sure some people out there are probably going "But it's bong water for Pete's sake." I'm not one of them. (You may be scratching your head and going "Huh?", but hear me out.)
If at this point you honestly believe that the war on drugs is not only a.) something winnable, but is also b.) something that should be won, then criminalizing bong water (which has amounts of the drug(s) smoked with it) is certainly no more ludicrous than the initial criminalization of the drugs.
What I mean by that second part (whether the war on drugs is something that should be won) is simply this: It is not the place of the government to make people "better".
I have no interest in the list of drugs the federal government currently classifies as narcotics. However, I support your right to get high as much as I support your right to get stinking drunk or smoke yourself into an early grave or eat Big Macs three times a day for the rest of your (probably much shorter) life. It's not the government's call. It's yours. Of course, you also get to pay the consequences for it.
*reads over last paragraph* (Oh wow...my idealism is showing. How Embarrassing! Cold practicality coming right up.)
What's more the war on drugs is not something that's winnable. For several reasons. The primary reason being that people like to escape from their daily lives and a great many like to (occasionally or habitually) get high to do it. People sniff glue and huff spray paint. Kids choke each other out with plastic bags (the lonely ones use neck ties and their bed post) to get high. People risk (and frequently incur) massive brain damage in efforts to get high not using narcotics. Do we really even have to talk about alcohol? This is not a behavior pattern that can be legislated away.
So this isn't a problem that can really be tackled from the demand end. How about the supply end?
Well, that's pretty much what we've been doing, right? Going after dealers and drug lords and such? Seems to me that what that's gotten us for our efforts is a rise in street gangs and increased gang violence. Why, one could say it's reminiscent of the effects that Prohibition had on organized crime in the 1920's. But at least Prohibition got Americans to dry...oh, right. Never mind. So supply end doesn't work so well either I guess.
You're free to proffer any other ideas. It'll be a thought exercise. Like I said, I don't hold that it's the government's place to make folks "better" in the first place.
I'm sure some people out there are probably going "But it's bong water for Pete's sake." I'm not one of them. (You may be scratching your head and going "Huh?", but hear me out.)
If at this point you honestly believe that the war on drugs is not only a.) something winnable, but is also b.) something that should be won, then criminalizing bong water (which has amounts of the drug(s) smoked with it) is certainly no more ludicrous than the initial criminalization of the drugs.
What I mean by that second part (whether the war on drugs is something that should be won) is simply this: It is not the place of the government to make people "better".
I have no interest in the list of drugs the federal government currently classifies as narcotics. However, I support your right to get high as much as I support your right to get stinking drunk or smoke yourself into an early grave or eat Big Macs three times a day for the rest of your (probably much shorter) life. It's not the government's call. It's yours. Of course, you also get to pay the consequences for it.
*reads over last paragraph* (Oh wow...my idealism is showing. How Embarrassing! Cold practicality coming right up.)
What's more the war on drugs is not something that's winnable. For several reasons. The primary reason being that people like to escape from their daily lives and a great many like to (occasionally or habitually) get high to do it. People sniff glue and huff spray paint. Kids choke each other out with plastic bags (the lonely ones use neck ties and their bed post) to get high. People risk (and frequently incur) massive brain damage in efforts to get high not using narcotics. Do we really even have to talk about alcohol? This is not a behavior pattern that can be legislated away.
So this isn't a problem that can really be tackled from the demand end. How about the supply end?
Well, that's pretty much what we've been doing, right? Going after dealers and drug lords and such? Seems to me that what that's gotten us for our efforts is a rise in street gangs and increased gang violence. Why, one could say it's reminiscent of the effects that Prohibition had on organized crime in the 1920's. But at least Prohibition got Americans to dry...oh, right. Never mind. So supply end doesn't work so well either I guess.
You're free to proffer any other ideas. It'll be a thought exercise. Like I said, I don't hold that it's the government's place to make folks "better" in the first place.
10.20.2009
10.19.2009
Ummm....
I mean, it's Russia, but still....
Really?
The company even offers publicity to purchasers to announce their new acquisition in case driving around in a penis, diamond, ruby and gold-encrusted armored vehicle does not attract enough attention.
Really?
10.15.2009
For Anyone Who's Never Waited Tables
This is why you always tip. Unless your server was just horrible beyond the fucking pale. Then totally go ahead and stiff that fucker.
Yes, But...
Politicians make a career out of avoiding the responsible and practical options in favor of grand promises and fantastical denial.
Heads Up Baltimore County
They're fleecing you too. You know- some more. We've already discussed my issues with the concept.
Here's a lobby by fax letter.
Here's a map of speed cameras in Maryland and DC.
StopBigBrotherMD is keeping pretty close tabs on things, and will be a welcome new addition to the link bar.
Here's a lobby by fax letter.
Here's a map of speed cameras in Maryland and DC.
StopBigBrotherMD is keeping pretty close tabs on things, and will be a welcome new addition to the link bar.
10.09.2009
On A Lighter Note....
So after the nega-verse that resulted in the previous post, I figure we could all use some less...Orwellian humor. So I give you Star Wars.
Let's Be Honest
Marvel's Civil War arc was complete and utter bullshit. Now we know what really happened.
10.06.2009
You Know....
Sometimes a story is just finished. There are no loose ends. All the character arcs have been resolved. Emphatically. The author is dead and the completed work is thoroughly appreciated.
And then some jackass decides that: No, wait! There's more.
Even Arthur Dent is unhappy.
And then some jackass decides that: No, wait! There's more.
Even Arthur Dent is unhappy.
Comic Adaptations I'd Love To See....
Jeffrey Thomas has some pretty awesome dark versions of classic Disney dames. My favorite is Cinderella.
Hat tip, Chris.
Hat tip, Chris.
9.25.2009
New Web Comic...Well...Not Exactly
So I've been catching up on several web comics while trying to keep posted on the news. I'm also thinking about doing some sort of additional organizing of the link bar like by topic or something. Who knows? (Well, maybe The Shadow, but Alec Baldwin is a douche nozzle so whatever.)
So here's where I'm spending at least half of my internet time at the moment:
A Softer World
Penny Arcade
Tiny Kitten Teeth
Xkcd
Amazing Super Powers
So here's where I'm spending at least half of my internet time at the moment:
A Softer World
Penny Arcade
Tiny Kitten Teeth
Xkcd
Amazing Super Powers
9.24.2009
Sometimes You Just Need A Break?
Apparently several officers of the law in Florida face possible sanctions for... bowling on a Nintendo Wii during a drug raid.
....Yeah....
....Yeah....
9.22.2009
9.17.2009
Planck Telescope Sends Back First Images
Launched May 14th of this year, the Planck telescope is designed to give us more insight than ever before on the earliest moments of the universe by studying the Cosmic Microwave Background. Today that telescope sent back its first images. The BBC has a neat little story about the images and the telescope.
9.15.2009
Damnit!
I gripe and bitch about Google's politics and business ethics, but they are where they are for a reason. And their latest unveiling is a fantastic demonstration.
Hat tip: Geeks are Sexy
Hat tip: Geeks are Sexy
Furry Animal Inferno
Io9 has a gallery of Luke Chueh's latest work- Dante's Inferno depicted with teddy bears and the like. It is kind of awesome.
9.14.2009
9.12.2009
Worst. Ninjas. Ever.
Seriously. Real ninjas don't have sword fights in the middle of the street because the whole goal is not to be seen.
9.11.2009
Look, I Don't Know If Y'all Knew This....
But Courtney Love's myspace blog was awesomely hilarious. Seriously.
9.10.2009
Well That's Just About The Worst Idea I've Ever Seen
I mean seriously, using neurological scans to determine taxes!? Only a special breed of complete and total fucking moron can think that's a good idea.
8.27.2009
8.22.2009
Science Video Goodness
10 dimensions in 11 minutes is a nifty feat, no? But "String Theory" is still just a hypothesis. Granted it's a hypothesis with a lot of very pretty math behind it, but it's not testable or provable. Yet?
I Would Beta Test This...
...just for the chance to have done it. I mean, orbital sky diving?! How is that not awesome?!
8.11.2009
In Case You're A Closet Steam Punker
Glasses with adjustable focal lengths (that don't look like driving goggles) are finally here. Personally, I think you should be out and proud with your dorkdome.
8.07.2009
Wowzers.
This short film is definitely not for the squeamish, but it's seriously wicked cool.
From the creators:
MANIFEST DESTINY from Darrell and Doug Waters on Vimeo.
From the creators:
Every time I find myself the recipient of one of these late night phone calls, tramping through some back alley behind another dark abandoned warehouse . . . Stuttering another secret password. . . Entering another hastily constructed operating room. . . Scalpel in hand, performing another indescribable procedure . . . I see another pair of eyes . . . By now in the hundreds . . . Staring . . . Whenever I try to sleep . . . Another member of an unenviable audience. . . Asking a painfully simple question for which I have no answer . . . Why . . .
Cranston says I need to “detach”. I suppose he’s right. I can no longer bear their judgment. I leave them here. . . On the table . . . As I scribble my signature on the confidentiality agreement, I leave them to their fate . . . I say goodbye . . .
8.06.2009
Back From Vacation!
Had a great time at the beach, regular posting will resume as soon as I find something worth posting about. :)
7.29.2009
Oh, For Pete's Sake
Disclosure: I do not do drugs.
That said,this bullshit is why the war on drugs is a scam. Look, so long as people want to escape their everyday lives people will get high on something. Hell, they're choking themselves unconscious and eating mushrooms that grow in cow shit to do it. This is not a behavior pattern that you can legislate or prosecute away, Attorney General Douglas Gansler. Selective criminalization is for all intents and purposes (excluding green pocket lining) arbitrary.
Pay attention. There were 22 shootings in Baltimore between June 14th and June 20th. What gives? Violent criminals too difficult to catch so the new plan is to create easier targets by criminalizing more teenagers and twenty somethings to justify next year's budget increases? Disgraceful.
That said,this bullshit is why the war on drugs is a scam. Look, so long as people want to escape their everyday lives people will get high on something. Hell, they're choking themselves unconscious and eating mushrooms that grow in cow shit to do it. This is not a behavior pattern that you can legislate or prosecute away, Attorney General Douglas Gansler. Selective criminalization is for all intents and purposes (excluding green pocket lining) arbitrary.
Pay attention. There were 22 shootings in Baltimore between June 14th and June 20th. What gives? Violent criminals too difficult to catch so the new plan is to create easier targets by criminalizing more teenagers and twenty somethings to justify next year's budget increases? Disgraceful.
Dude, Really?
Okay, I think the more pressing matter is what kind of moron keeps baby snakes in his pants pockets?
Sweet.
So BSG season 4.5 (Really, Sci-Fi...I mean SyFy (What douchey fucking name- it's like short hand for syphilis.)? Sorry, still a bit sore over their season breakdowns.) is finally out on DVD so my next acquisition phase has arrived. This round's 'To Do' list?
-BSG 4.5
-Replace Firefly and Serenity
-Red Faction
Dollhouse is also out, but I'm putting that down for the next round.
-BSG 4.5
-Replace Firefly and Serenity
-Red Faction
Dollhouse is also out, but I'm putting that down for the next round.
7.28.2009
7.25.2009
7.23.2009
7.22.2009
Primary Suspect? The Shredder.
Apparently the Foot Clan is alive and well in Ohio. I mean who else would swipe a tortoise from the local zoo?
Zombie Robot Not Actually A Zombie
So there were jokes made, but the fact that Cyclone Power Technologies had to issue a press release to allay public "fears" is freaking sweet.
“We completely understand the public’s concern about futuristic robots feeding on the human population, but that is not our mission,” stated Harry Schoell, Cyclone’s CEO.
Looks the the Zombie Apocalypse and the Robot Holocaust are still separate calendar events, folks. Breathe easy.
“We completely understand the public’s concern about futuristic robots feeding on the human population, but that is not our mission,” stated Harry Schoell, Cyclone’s CEO.
Looks the the Zombie Apocalypse and the Robot Holocaust are still separate calendar events, folks. Breathe easy.
7.18.2009
So Sue Me
I know it's kind of lame, but every now and then I kind of want to be like this former Merrill Lynch turned professional Yo-yo person. What's the catch? I can't Yo-yo to save my life. At any rate, just look at dude go.
As Long As We're Talking About Russia
Putin's thugs continue to murder reporters and anyone else looking to turn Russia into a free nation ruled by actual laws instead of the whims/desires of the hyper powerful.
Hilarious And Tragic
I found this ad for AnastasiaDate while I was surfing the intarwebs and there's just something perfectly hilarious about it. I don't know. Just thought I'd share.
7.16.2009
Looking Back
In honor of the fast approaching 40th anniversary of the moon landing, here's the first in what will be a series of articles retracing the steps we took to get there.
7.15.2009
That's Not Creepy At All....
I mean a robot that can eat dead people for energy, what's to fear about that? Certainly not cyborg zombies or anything. I mean, yay technological advancement and everything, but is this really the direction we want to head in? Robots eating people? Maybe I'm crazy, but as cool as never having to charge my Roomba sounds, I don't want it to eat me to do it. Not even a little bit. This just has "Warning. Warning. Danger Will Robinson. Danger." written all over it. I'm just saying, when the zombie-robot apocalypse happens (and how do you prepare for that!? Robots? Prepared. Zombies? So prepared. Robot-zombies? The fuck!?) I'm totally going to say I told you so. From my undersea bunker.
*UPDATE* Here's more info on theharbinger of the end of the human race potential doom of us all the robot.
*UPDATE* Here's more info on the
I'm Starting To Understand...
America's image problem overseas. I mean, what would you think of a people who bombarded you with things like this?
7.10.2009
Hitchcock And The Symphony
Tonight the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will be screening Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho and providing the soundtrack live. There are cooler things in life. But not many. I'll be jetting over to catch it immediately after work.
7.09.2009
Taking A Break From...Well...Just About Everything.
So I've been enjoying the weather. It's been unusually pleasant here in Charm City this summer; typically by this time we're swimming in humidity with temperatures regularly in the 80's and 90's hoping that the drought will end, but this year's been mild and drought free- okay, maybe a little too much rain for my tastes, but you can't win them all.
I took some much needed time off from work, went to a few more ball games, made some (modest) progress on the novel, and pretty much ignored politics. I may be going on a legitimate (read: traveling) vacation in August which will (if it happens) produce another long-ish silence here. However, regular (albeit light) blogging will recommence from here on out. Still no blogging on Sundays or Mondays this summer- unless it's by cell phone which, dude, pain in the rear on my phone, but there will be blog(ging).
There will be no politics until I catch up on what I've missed (so think maybe sometime next week). There will be general interest blogging.
Sorry for not giving you folks a heads up, but burnout exploded in my face all of a sudden. (Seriously, this post is kinda wtf, right? Totally time for time off.) I'll try not to let it happen again.
I took some much needed time off from work, went to a few more ball games, made some (modest) progress on the novel, and pretty much ignored politics. I may be going on a legitimate (read: traveling) vacation in August which will (if it happens) produce another long-ish silence here. However, regular (albeit light) blogging will recommence from here on out. Still no blogging on Sundays or Mondays this summer- unless it's by cell phone which, dude, pain in the rear on my phone, but there will be blog(ging).
There will be no politics until I catch up on what I've missed (so think maybe sometime next week). There will be general interest blogging.
Sorry for not giving you folks a heads up, but burnout exploded in my face all of a sudden. (Seriously, this post is kinda wtf, right? Totally time for time off.) I'll try not to let it happen again.
7.01.2009
Largest Movie Screen In U.S. Stops Advertising With Local News Paper
Baltimore is home to Bengies Drive In, which boasts the largest movie screen in the U.S. Bengies has been a Charm City staple since 1956 and continues to draw a capacity crowd. Hilariously, they no longer advertise with the Baltimore Sun because the B.S. is...well...bullshit.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)