Thursday, January 29, 2009

The Gaming in 2009 Post

I am trying to cut back on rampant video game spending now that I am living with Sarah and have to pretend to be a grown up. Having your girlfriend living in a other state or country was a wonderful excuse for pumping lots of money and time into my game collection. That said I will always be a die-hard gamer, and there are definitely some titles coming out this year that I just can’t wait for. Here’s a brief look at some of the titles on the top of my list for 2009:

Ghostbusters
This game has been a long time coming and has gone through enough cancellations and turnovers that I had given up hope that it would ever see the light of day. Essentially taking the role as the 3rd Ghostbusters movie the game will star the likenesses and voices of the entire original cast from Billy Murray all the way down to the guy who played the Mayor. The level of detail and brand appreciation going into this title is impressive, especially for a longtime fan like me. I anticipate ho-hum controls and irritating technical issues, but all things considered it’s the little 10 year-old inside of me that wins out, and has me counting down the days until I can strap on a proton-pack.


NHL 3-on-3 Hockey
Sports games don’t vary much year in, year out. Pretty much all they do is add some new feature that makes the game more realistic. This interesting little arcade download is coming out next month on the 360 and looks to be a lot of fun and a step in the right direction. As the title would suggest you get to play 3 on 3 arcade style hockey with the over the top and unrealistic controls and exaggerated characters. While most die hard hockey fans would scoff a the idea of playing a bobble-head-look-alike players and not being able to field a whole team, I am really excited about this training wheels version that look to have more of an emphasis on fun, not realism.


Banjo-Tooie XBLA
Banjo-Kazooie on the N64 is my favorite game of all time, hands down. It’s sequel, Banjo-Tooie never blew me away. Probably because of the amount of hype I built up for the title as a kid waiting for it to come out. With Kazooie getting a November release last year as an arcade download, it was only a matter of time before Tooie arrived. This port features widescreen HD graphics, achievements and the fully realized integration of Stop-n-Swop, the Banjo-Kazooie to Tooie connection that never worked out on the Nintendo 64. While the game never took the top spot away from the original, this sequel is still very much welcome and eagerly anticipated in my collection.


Street Fighter IV
Street Fighter games are a mixed bag for me. I really like playing them, and enjoy the arcadey feel of the fighter as a whole. My only issue comes along when I get my butt handed to me by a guy who as 50 different combos memorized and can play the game in his sleep for the amount of time he has sunk into mastering every character. I just want to punch some people and enjoy some pretty graphics, and it looks like IV is going to let me do just that. I have no doubt there will be the super-hardcore out there, but I think I’ll be able to keep my distance and still have a good time with this latest entry in the franchise. Plus thee is a luchadore character. Sold.


Resident Evil 5
Resident Evil 5 is going to be a really kick ass game. Take RE4, a terrific survival horror game- and up the ante in every way whilst still keeping the game play the same and you really cant go wrong. The graphics look really impressive and the added co-op mode will make this a great one for online play with friends. Hopefully the achievements aren’t too ridiculous because I think this will be the next title I choose to knuckle down and shoot for the fully 1000pts with. That is if I ever beat Prince of Persia…


Batman: Arkham Asylum
Arkham Asylum is a dream game to both comic and video game fans. Play as Batman in the twistedly appealing asylum where all of the his enemies are locked away, fighting your way through themed levels as you try to lockdown the escapees and get out with your life. The Dark Knight’s brooding dark tones have come through and have been accentuated in the art direction, and gritty, demented versions of classic Batman foes are sure to little themed levels and pose some fantastic boss fights. I really can’t wait for this title. Unless they royally screw it up, I can see this being my game of the year.


Also one the list of highly anticipated titles are Final Fantasy XIII (and Vs. XIII), Assassins Creed 2 and Uncharted 2. All of which will have me picking them up the day they hit shelves. Unfortunately its looking like they wont make it in time for 09.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

The Snow Driving Post

Today was the first major snowfall since I’ve been back, and while not that impressive as far as inches of snow on the ground, the roads where particularly perilous around the apartment. I knew I was in for a hard time when my car couldn’t leave the apartment complex through the main entrance. The incline was too slick and the Celica was spinning out and sliding allover the place trying to get up it. I had to commit and made it to the top after taking it reeeeally slowly, but once I got to the top I turned around once I hit the main road just because it was too slick. I opted to head through the back roads which where all downhill and made it out to a road that had been plowed. However on the final decline my breaks grinded and locked up and I slid down the hill. Fortunately there was no one else on the road and I was able to slowly gain control of the car and get onto a plowed road.

It’s a horrible feeling not being in control of your vehicle and I’m really hesitant to venture out in the Celica again if the roads are going to be this bad. One of the great things about working for Avectra is that I have the flexibility of dialing in and working from home if need be. So I can wait for them to plow my street before heading in, while getting work done from the house. It’s nice to work at a place where I have that flexibility and a definite plus of working for a bigger company. We are expecting another 4 inches overnight which, if today was any indication of, will be pretty hazardous on the roads. My advice…stay home if you can. Oh and don’t drive rear-wheel sporty little cars up icy hills.

The Themed Party Post

Last weekend was one for themed parties, least it was for us. Friday, Sarah took me as her ‘plus one’ to her company holiday party. Personally I think when Chinese New Year is the only holiday on the menu then its too late to call it a ‘holiday’ party. Happy year of the Ox by the way. It was pretty fun despite its misplaced name. A quasi-formal dinner with awkward DJ inspired dancing soon to follow. Sarah and I left after the speeches as the Electric Slide and Macarena where never our strong suits. (Though if they do the chicken dance then its ON!)
Saturday we headed out to Falls Church to Mike’s house for a ‘Late 80’s Early 90’s’ theme party. I wore a ‘Keytar Hero’ t-shirt we came across in a bargain bin, and Sarah rocked the side ponytail and old school Nintendo getup. Needless to say we looked rather ridiculous, but where put to shame when Mike broke out his famous wig collection and Michael Jackson attire. Personally I think the whole thing was an orchestrated reason for Mike to get out said wigs- I’m onto you Batista. Fun weekend overall. Themes add a nice change of pace to things. Sarah and I could have themed parties only from now on. I’m thinking Nerf-Gun-Battle party, bring-your-own-darts….
No Titan you are not getting an invitation.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

The Podgy Pounding Post

So I am a little tired of the condition I’m in. Somehow I manage to balance a not-so-healthy combo of skinny and lanky with lovehandly (it’s a word). This next month will be the start of a valiant-ish attempt at getting on course. I have tried various methods in the past but without being pushed I always flatter after minimal effort. Our gym offers a program called TNT which meets twice a week with trainers and a small group of 5-6 members. The trainers put you through the ringer with various exercises and make sure to keep on you about completing your sets and pushing yourself. They also do dietary monitoring and provide cardio-routines for homework on off days. Sounds a little cliché but it’s the sort of thing I need to keep up any attempt. Unless someone is there to motivate/force me I just don’t give 100%. Hopefully this will put an end to that,. It’s a three month program, so when all is said and done I should be in decent enough shape to gym without training wheels.

Sarah is a big fan of the Biggest Loser, and I’ve caught a few episodes of this season with her while waiting for Scrubs to come on each week. They are doing a Pound-for-Pound Challenge where-in people pledge an amount of weight they will loose and the show donates a pound of food for every lb. dropped. It’s a pretty good promotion I think. Save a few fatties whilst feeding a few skinnies. Win win! I pledged a whopping 5lbs, which is hardly impressive, to be lost by my birthday (end of March) but if Wii Fit is any indicator then its going to be cutting it fine.
Pound For Pound Challenge - I took the pledge to lose weight and help feed those in need - JOIN ME!

The Painting for Eric Post

I finally finished the canvas I have been promising Eric since before Christmas! The picture is for his condo (aka THE CITADEL) in Arlington, so I wanted to get a DC-flavor to it, especially considering the current décor in the lace has a DC slant to it. I stuck with the basics and did a traditional (for me) color wash with high contrast black and whites on top. Simple and colorful is the way I seem to like to do these things. I’m rather pleased with the way it turned out, hopefully he’ll enjoy it. I wrapped the painting around the sides of the canvas and opted to sign it on the side as well. Overall it’s a nice effect that I think I’ll continue for future canvases. I’ve already had a request for one come in so it’s fair to say that I’ll be doing another one pretty soon. Heading over tomorrow to hang it up.

The Hurranrunner Post

Wrestling, fake? If that's so then how come this half-pint luchadore can toss a man 3 times his weight out of the ring like this?:



Man, if my girlfriend was terrified of luchadore masks I'd move to Mexico and by front row season tickets.
For the record I am a recovering wrestling fan. This is the first 'match' I've watched since Wrestlemania last year. (It's a 12 step program I'm on)

Friday, January 23, 2009

The Baracknroll Post

Tuesday was a big deal for America especially people in the DC area. The Presidential Inauguration has closed down the city for the better part of a week, been on the lips of every radio and television reporter, and generated a buzz unlike anything has in quite some time. I didn't head down to the mall to watch in person simply because I got a taste of the craziness at a pre-president rally and didn't want to attempt to tackle it again. I would have loved to go, but logistically it just didn't make any sense. I watched the swearing in and his address on the TV at the office, so I didn't miss out. Everyone clapped after he took the oath. It was really quite moving.

I will be the first to admit that I live a fairly unremarkable life. I am not making or breaking laws, forging new paths of the future or the center of an international event. That said I cannot help but recognize how while myself might not be changing the world, the world is definitely changing around me. I live (as we all do) in a very remarkable age and through events that will fill new editions of the history books we all read in school. The idea that I am being a part of history in this way is rather satisfying to me, and puts a lot of things in perspective. I look forward to looking down at a history book and remembering where I was when a historical event happened, and being able to tell my children or grandchildren what it was like being alive during various events and times- good and bad. The idea that any given day could be the next 911 or political breakthrough; the beginning or end or the next war, or a scientific discovery. I respect all that has happened and look forward to what lays ahead.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

The 30-Post

Netflix has been getting some great use now that it streams over the 360. Sarah and I have knocked out the first season of 30 Rock and have a good chunk of the seconds watched as well. It's a great show that I am really enjoying. Hopefully I'll finish up the season before the next one starts on TV. I never thought I'd see anything that I actually liked Tracy Morgan in, but this takes the cake (Alec Baldwin is the absoulte MAN in this show though). If I can stomach working the Comcast DVR I think I'll add that and Conan to the to-be-taped list. Currently only Scrubs is one there, but the stupid thing is ridiculously finicky and tapes at seemingly random times and skips episodes on it's own whim. I miss good old Tivo.


When I grow up I want to be just like Jack Donaghy

The Chupacabra Terror Post

Stefan and Courtney recently recommended that we watch a little movie called ‘The Chupacabra Terror’. The film is about a blood sucking beast (the Chupacabra) which is pretty much the south American version of Big Foot but with a less tell-tale name. Actually that’s not true, Chupacabra translates to ‘goat-sucker’ apparently. Anyway, so this illusive beast is caught by a scientist guy who takes it on a cruise ship (um…why not) and the thing escapes and pretty much eats everyone on board. It’s up to John Rhys-Davis and a guy called Lance to stop the thing. Pretty much it’s absolutely terrible- but in a hilariously good way. Due to the awfully-bad slash amazingly spectacular nature of the film I have decided to take an alternative route than the usual movie review post. Without further ado here is the top 10 reasons (in no particular order) why you should definitely / definitely not see the Chupacabra Terror:
  • The fact that this movie came out in 2005 and has the production value of a Xena Warrior Princess episode.
  • It stars Jonathan Rhys Davis (the dwarf from Lord of the Rings) who apparently ran out of hobbit gold.
  • The Navy Seal uniforms consist of skate helmets and Ranger Surplus vests.
  • The Chubacabra's wallhumping/evil scampering (done in super high tech fast-forward)
  • "So I am guessing you aren't really an insurance salesman. " "Right now, I'm the best insurance you got!" [cocks gun]
  • The “To Us!” toast given by two a-hole honeymooners before they get Chubacabra-ed
  • How drunk the dishwasher-guy gets off of one swig of stolen wine (right before he gets thrown off a balcony by the monster).
  • The enthusiastic “Tango Bango! Get some!” comment by the Navy Seal’s when they get the call to go help the distressed cruise liner.
  • The fact that the illusive creature can be caught in the woods off of a highway with a goat as bait and a fishing net.
  • Any and all lines delivered by Chelan Simmons. “Ugh, it’s the Chupacabra!” being the number one pick which I unfortunately cannot find a YouTube link for.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

The Final Steps Post

Last week I received a notice in the mail that I will be sitting my exam for American citizenship early February. I am really excited that the process has taken much less time in Virginia than forecast down in Florida. I dug out my civics question CD and have been listening to the questions and answers I’ll need to know for the exam. I’ll also be required to prove that I have reading and writing abilities in English, which should be relatively easy despite the quality of my blog postings. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to figure out the difference between Mark and John Warner.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

The Scrubbing Back In Post

Scrub’s is back on TV this time it’s made the jump to ABC. Tuesday was the season premier and I have to say, so far it looks pretty good. I’ll like the show no matter what they do with it in all honesty, but I would be a lair if I didn’t admit that the last two seasons have been sub par. Fortunately they seem to have learnt from their mistakes and have the show back on track. While it may be a bit soon to call only 2 episodes in, but I am noticing that it feels more like classic Scrubs, and less like the goofier random-plotted episodes of late. Any show where your main characters get less screen time than the cardboard minor characters should start thinking about getting back to basics. You listening Simpsons!?)* Gone is the ridiculous self parody and self referencing form the last two seasons and back are the quazi-heartfelt plots dripping with hilarity. Good job guys. My only complaints are that J.D. needs to shave the stubble pronto, and we need more Elliot being hot. That’s it. The rest is golden.



*Minor characters are key. Don’t get me wrong. But Ted the lawyer and Professor Frink don’t need spin-off shows.

The Bemoaned Ad of 08 Post

Do you like hilariously inappropriate commercials? I know I do. This is apparently the most complained about commercial of 2008. Its from Australian tampon manufacturer Kotex. Honestly its not bad at all, but is pretty funny. Considering the product it’s pushing its light-years better than the completion’s attempts. Check it out.



Monday, January 5, 2009

The Benjamin Button Post

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is an interesting tale of a man who lives life backwards. Born as a geriatric baby that grows into a charming old-man of a toddler, all the way back to senile baby (with the obligatory Pitt-stop* In his hunkey midlife of course). Button brings in elements of past charmers Big Fish and Forrest Gump and mixes them into an interesting blend of outlandish fantasy and a humble life. Button’s tale recounts a magical existence being told from the end-backwards. while mimicking Gump by living through the ages experiencing everything one should do during the decades of his existence. He goes to war, he works the seas, he travels from country to country and city to city. He becomes a ping pong champion…no nevermind.

Pitt himself does a terrific job of playing the part during it’s various stages, and the supporting cast do a great job of playing their parts in Button’s life. Captain Mike and 'Lightning Geezer' where my personal favorites. Cate Blanchett did a good job of playing the equally complex counterpart to Pitt’s Button also, and evolves with his devolution with notable symmetry. The aging effects are rather remarkable but for some reason Brad Pitt looks like Yoda for the first hour or so of the movie and then turns into Val Kilmer for half an hour. Who knew?

The movie does an excellent job of highlighting the cyclical nature of life and bringing to light the childlike nature of being elderly and the senile aspects of infancy. The long length of the movie while clearly intentional works against the film more than it helps in the (very) long run. When a film is based on illustrating a mans entire existence while at the same time taking great efforts to portray said life in a manner that forces the viewer to think differently about life as a whole, its pretty much expected that it will run for the better part of three hours. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but don’t ever randomly decide to watch this Curious Case. Only commit if you have the time and emotional energy to dedicate an evening to it. That being said it is a fantastic movie and very well made, but not one that I feel I need to see again to appreciate. As with Button himself this only needs to be experienced once per lifetime.
*Sorry, had to.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

The 2009 Post

Happy New Year to everyone! Sorry again for being so delayed with my postings… I have really let things slide as far as getting things on here in a timely manner. I’ll try to be more on the ball in the future. Speaking of half-hearted resolutions I don’t think I am going to be making any this New Year. I’d rather just keep last years ones running for now unless I think of something better to add to the list.

New Year’s Eve itself wasn’t what we where originally planning on and ended up being a lot more low-key that Sarah and I would have ideally liked. We has spoken to Eric who is similarly minded on the matter and have decided that this year we are going to make a point of doing something big to bring in 2010. Hopefully we’ll be able to get more people on board that in the past, but either way we want to have a blast and aim big. I am leaning towards an overnight cruise or a ball at a swanky hotel, maybe book a penthouse suite somewhere ostentatious if we can get enough people on board. We do have 12 months to decide so I’m not stressing yet, but it’s definitely something I want to do this year. Watching Carson Daily and some party streamers aren’t going to cut it for the 2000- double digits! I want to go big leagues. Or maybe just bigger-league.

The iMac Post

Duncan is starting up a new business that will focus accessibility in the DC-metro area, and has enlisted me as his graphical confidant for much of the project. I won’t go into detail on the company itself as there is much to be ironed out and much more to share in a future posting- in order to get things rolling Duncan is getting his ducks in a row with the financial planning and making sure he has the manpower and hardware to pull off his ideas. To overly sweeten the deal on my end he has very generously equipped me with a refurbished iMac to work off of. I have been wanting to make the adaptation to being a dual PC-Mac user for a while. Being a graphic designer and living in the PC-only camp is a rarity these days and can potentially be a hindrance. I will never be a 100% Mac-Head but I definitely see their merits and want to become as versed with them as I can be. This is the perfect opportunity to make that transition.

Well it would be…if we could get the damn thing to stay on for more than 20 seconds. Unfortunately there are some technical issues with the hardware (Duncan is thinking its still the power supply) which means that the pretty white screen has to sit idle at the moment until the stubborn thing can be repaired. It’s very upsetting… but so pretty…. Oh I can’t stay mad at you. Time for another dusting!


The December Festivities Post

One of the best parts of the holiday season is the constant flow of holiday parties and gatherings. Spending time with the family is always fun, but throw into the mix social gatherings with co-workers and friends that otherwise tend not to happen in the less festive months and December is always a nice change of pace.

After being at my new job for two weeks Sarah and I went to the company Christmas party which was a lot of fun. One would except that after only meeting people for less than a fortnight, going to a formal party would be a bit difficult. Fortunately that was not the case and we both had a lot of fun. The next day we were tasked with coming up with ugly holiday sweaters for Eric’s annual Christmas Sweater Party at THE CITADEL. I opted to borrow one of Mum’s eclectic teacher waistcoats while Sarah and Melissa decided to craft their own festive attire with various Christmas craft items. It was a lot of fun and getting to see the Arlington crew (as they are now to be dubbed) was much overdue. Unfortunately with the move in full swing at the time we weren’t able to attend Coy and Holly’s Christmas dinner the night after however which was a real shame but unfortunately just not in the cards for us that weekend.

Christmas itself was a whirlwind of family gatherings. With Sarah’s sisters in town, Stefan making his return, Craig visiting, plus all the regular shady characters who we like to call ‘family*’ being around we barely has a moment where we weren’t wrapping gifts, stuffing our faces or spending time with loved ones- you know all the stuff that the holidays are great for. We went out to the Russia House for a delicious Christmas Eve dinner to celebrate everyone being together- promptly followed by the traditional Hunt Family Sheppard’s Pie dinner (somehow I was still able to finish a whole plate at both meals). Christmas day had many stages being at the apartment, my house, Sarah’s house and the customary overeating at two family Christmas dinners.

Two days after Christmas we went down to Re-Ra’s in Clarendon for a surprise welcome home party for Stefan and Greg’s return from overseas. Both families where there in full force as well as all their friends to great them. Greg’s family has it organized that the guys thought that they where going to out to a family dinner with both sets of parents. They where surprised when all of their friends where upstairs in the bar waiting to greet them. It was a fun night.

So January might have its work cut out for it when it comes to matching the variety of after hours entertainment of December… or it might give everyone a chance to rest…maybe do a few crunches and work off the 3rd helping of figgie pudding.

*Sarcasm of course guys. Except you Jake… you’re pretty shady.