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Friday, November 20th, 2009
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8:09 am - Observation of Serpents...
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I happened to be thinking about Hagane and listening to news coverage about the Health Reform debate and it hit me something likely unintentional about the series, but very symbolic of this issue:
This is the Flamel, as it appears in the series:
It is a variation of the Rod of Asclepius and Serpent Cross, symbolizing healing, wisdom and alternatively victory over the devil. What is obvious is the resemblance to the symbol that is referenced all over medicine and those that practice it. It is ironic that this symbol is used as an alchemist in reference to the series is much of scientist or doctor, typically understood to be secular and seekers of truth through research and science. But this rare instance, (there are only 3 characters that bear ths symbol), are worn by those that came to realize that even with all their wisdom, some things can only be achived by God.
I found this to be the health and human side of health reform. A physisian uses their skill to heal others. It is a task they know is full of uncertainty sometimes, but they do what they can, and what they can't is in God's hands.
This is the Ouroboros, as it appears in the series:
It is a known symbol of perpetuation and cycles. In the series however, it is worn by those that work to the ends of their own means. While they run things behind the scenes, they may take care to make sure the populace is content with the status quo The many that die are consider nessecary sacrifices for their long term existance, even if each death only sustains them a short while.
I likened this to the insurance industry. Capitalisim in America is fine when there is a human conscience behind it. But when an industry is completely for profit, people become little more than a crop for harvest.
Customers become $$ and this detachment allows a cycle to continue.
There is a lot of fight over Health Reform at the moment, most coming down to either politics or a irrational fear that a change in what we know currently isn't working will get worse. Without the burden of a struggling economy, why isn't universal coverage currently the status quo now? It's been stalwarted for years as corporations gained a foothold that makes enough profit to lobby for their interests to be considered over human health concerns and needs. The President saw his own mother deal with this cycle and made it a priority as premiums are projected to climb cripple Americans economically over the next 20 years.
Lastly, a note to reflect on. The talk of "Kill the Bill" by a lot of people that also protest against a woman's right to chose is laughable.
A child is born into this world to a young mother who was resticted from Planned Parenthood counseling via the same movement, yet unable to save an ill child due to a pre-existing condition that isnsurance won't cover.
Job 13:16, "an hypocrite shall not come before Him."
Let's keep that in mind, shall we?
Current Mood:  Reflective
Currently Listening to: "Beloved Tomboyish Daughter" from Touhou Project
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| Friday, November 13th, 2009
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2:45 am - Deer Me
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I occasionally decide to rave about games I stumble into. I do enjoy a certain fun factor, but occasionally I am struck but an innovative look at what can not only be produced by creative dreamers, but others that want to play and make the dream real.
The Endless Forest is one of these gems.
You simply are a deer, and while it is understated, when you get to the game play, there isn't much more to it. In fact, it oversimplifies things so much, one can easily miss the subtle ways communication is achieved. As it turns out, deer don't speak. They don't have names the way humans would understand either, instead pictograms identify individuals. So the community has worked out ways to communicate without words. Starting as a fawn, you must watch and learn from other players how to communicate. All the deer have the ability to use illusion magic, which is cute, not what makes the game attractive.
There is a way you should greet, and ask for different things. If you are lost, you can listen carefully to find places and other deer, or call to them to guide you.
And the older deer will share the forest secrets with you.
Of course you could go to the forum too, but logging in to try it is more relaxing. The forest is beautiful full of life and there are no predators, although the forest can sometimes be eerie and foreboding when you are alone.
Oh! Did I mention the deer have human faces? I didn't? Well once you get over the creepiness of that part, a nap in the forest by the pond isn't so bad.
Current Mood:  Surprised.
Currently Listening to: Virtual deer calling in the night
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| Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
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10:49 am - More Politicks: Election Day 2009
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All the coverage for elections last night seemed to be focused on it being "the referendum on the president's performance". I found the local conditions and opinions of the candidates weighed heavily on the outcomes.
In New Jersey, Corazine wasn't the most upstanding guy. Christie didn't have much to offer except that he wasn't Corarzine and defines being fiscally conservative as cutting taxes for the upper 1% of wage earners. So it was a choice of the devil you know or take a chance on the devil you don't know.
Virginia should have been expected to go to Republicans. It traditionally does, so why did people act as if this was some surprise?
It was by FAR more telling to see the election in NY 23rd where the Republican candidate was so maligned by her own party, she dropped out to support her Democratic rival against the Conservative party candidate who:
A. Didn't live in the area
B: Didn't know or care about local issues
C. Ran on Glenn Beck's 9/12 principles, (seriously, Beck is a cartoon character) which honor the horror Americans felt on the most dreadful day in recent history
D. Had been supported by many visible and vocal Republicans, even though they demonized their own candidate.
Needless the say, the Democrat won in a district that has has been always smartly secured by Republicans because he was a moderate and not overly liberal.
This is how checks and balances work. You may have a someone in the White House, pressing social issues, but there are people in congress that are SUPPOSE to see to it the issues are addressed in a fiscally conservative manner. Not sit on NO out of principle and in corporate pockets to block addressing the social issue.
Knowing this, NY 23rd district, just sent a Democrat to Washington. Where is your Beck now?
Current Mood:  Another Hot Flash...
Currently Listening to: "The Depths" Playlist
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| Thursday, September 17th, 2009
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6:18 am - Politicks par deux
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Former President Carter made a pointed argument that some of the heat current president Obama has been getting is due to his heritage.
In reality, that is likely true, but as with all things that are considered black and white, there are mutable shades of gray. I am pretty sure some of the animosity has been due to race, as well as his age, but let's flip that for a bit. To say people supported him exclusively because of his race or age regardless of ideals and party divides.
It is easy to take one's on ethnic background and identify with them and in doing so, overlook their flaws and accept any position they take based on that. So when more than 53% of the American populace voted for Obama, it's far easier to say that there were less people that had an issue with his race and more about the message that was out there. There is also the opposition that has a small percentage of the remaining 47% that actually do have issue with race.
In the current Health Care debate raging in Congress and all over the country, I am definitely aware that BS is BS regardless of who spews it.
Race has nothing to do with politics and lobbyists. The conservative argument sounds a lot like this in an almost cruel in it's denial to block any serious discussion or alternatives because even an alternative can be perceived as a "win" for the President.
Some of the things I hear are scary, not about the President, or his policies, but the raw callous poison of not just pundits, but elected government officials. To first instill fear and anger and then to prop themselves as the only refuge in a storm they created.
I know the November elections are right around the corner and some of these folks are looking to get re-elected, but it may be telling in South Carolina, Joe Wilson, the Senator that caused an uproar in the Joint Session speech, has been elevated to heroic martyr and raised millions for his re-election. Meanwhile his opponent, has raised about the same amount.
Going to be a hell of an election season. Bring your boots and shovel.
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| Tuesday, September 8th, 2009
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8:35 pm - Lessons from Baltimore
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I would like for a moment to revisit a crucial time in my past where I met Rei, before I was Obaba. It is more of what made our friendship strong than just a simple statement of facts, since sometimes what we perceive is the illusion we make to comfort ourselves.
When both Rei and I met in 1997, I was admittedly self centered and unconcerned with anything outside the scope of me own personal world. This was mostly my family.
I met a girl at the Echelon Mall and we were both eying Ryo-oh-ki plushie . Since I had a seemingly disposable income, I made the purchase, but in classic style, we were rivals that had come to terms.
The second time we met, in 1998, was the more substansial as I was eventually able to come visit her afterwards. I was rather laughable in my arrogance about her. Thinking that she respected me because I was older, and idolized me because I could buy things that she, in her youth, could not afford. I did all of the talking and and talking and talking...
And what was even more absurd is that I called this girl a friend and didn't really have an interest in who she was, just that the illusion I created about her was really comfortable.
It wasn't until later that year, at a time when a lot of my illusions were disolving in front of my eyes, that I was forced to look at this little girl as more than a mere accesory to my life.
She was deep, thoughtful and faced multiple tragedies in her short life. She had a wisdom beyond her years and I felt a deep shame for everything I assumed about her, about life and about family.
I had to re-evaluate our friendship from scratch. Consider what could I bring that she could not achive through her own strength of character. Nothing really. But I did see an opportunity to better myself.
With my mother in her last days, I resolved to once again, have a go at continuing my education. The hardest year of my life followed. A year of 6:00 AM wake ups to 4:00 AM bedtimes,crushing loss, Insecurities, leaving a job to become a full time student and living out of my car.
In this time, I learned from both school and from Rei. I was never confidant with my math skills and she was a patient and learned teacher. In my home, we always seemed in dire straits, she taught me the value of budgeting time and income, she taught me how to cook inexpensively, and how the barter and the art of negotioation were as effective as cash. And most importantly, she taught me how to make real friends, and how to love.
In June of 1999, I graduated in the top of my class.
One of Rei's tennants has always been that respect is not something afforded with age, status or title. It is hard won.
The comfort in general courtesy comes cheaply. And honesty can be a bitter pill.
While many in my family have always questioned Rei's motives and actions, I always expect her to be honest with her feelings in her usual abrasive way.
I'm sure this post will be lost on some that read it, but I have become weary of the back and forth of late. I am going to take a rest and go back to things I enjoy. When the meaning of this post is gathered, I'll be more receptive...but give me at least a week, okay!
Current Mood: Drained
Currently Listening to: "Paper Moon" by Tommy Heavenly6
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| Sunday, August 30th, 2009
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9:45 pm - Google Overshooting
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On occasion I do recommend people search Google to see how much personal info is stored in web form to be gathered by web trolling bots and data miners.
However, since a year ago, I find that anything associated with my nickname has usurped by the President's first name.
I've been mocked for it as well, either by people thinking I misspelled the President's name, don't like the President, or both.
I mean there is a Spanish from 2005 movie with the same name that is completely unrelated to the Japanese word or the President at all.
I was also a little put off that my site name "Obaba's Hut" sits side by side by side with stories of Israeli settlements and the President's half-brother...
I do like my nickname and don't intend to give it up, but I now understand what kind of animosity it can attract.
Going to be an interesting 3 years in that respect.
Current Mood:  Subdued
Currently Listening Too: "Ultimate Showdown" by Lemon Demon
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| Thursday, August 27th, 2009
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6:24 pm - "It looks like rain today"
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x-posted
The passing of a matriarch.
There have been a lot of great civilizations that have risen and faded into antiquity. The people and their chronicles can become legend to those that come after.
This is how I feel about our family. We have faced some pretty serious history and the world fell away as we drew strength from one another. We have been 4 generations strong and yet our Achilles heel is our own humanity.
I received word that of my grandmother passing away a short time ago and I can't help but think about the misgivings I've been feeling the last month. The other day, I seemed to get an unseasonal cold and have been feeling horrid in general, andI then received word on her condition right before heading to work on Tuesday.
About an hour ago, I got up and brought the phone into the bedroom and climbed under the covers to break a fever.
I woke up with a start of nausea and rushed to the bathroom, and as I got back to the bed and picked up the phone, it rang...
It's all like Rain. It washing away the traces of what made us so strong and into the cracks weakening foundations that should stand the test of time.
But in truth, let it be like Rain. Wash away the pains soothe our souls. Let it bring renewal and hope from under overcast in our hearts.
My family is my heart, and I know there are all sorts of emotions we are facing right now, Don't be afraid of a little rain on your face.
Current Mood: Numb
Currently Listening To: "Overture" From Sirius no Densetsu in the "Midnight Room"
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| Sunday, August 9th, 2009
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6:30 pm - Joined the Flock
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Felt like garbage as the day dragged on. Missouri is having a Tax Holiday this weekend and people took advantage of the savings for back to school.
The kids go back to school August 13th.
Anyway, I had someone mention at work about Flock.
For people using Internet Explorer, WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU?!!?
For Firefox users, this is what you've been asking for.
For Chrome users, this is some of what you can expect from Google Wave, albeit primitive at the moment.
Everyone else, I wouldn't know, I've used quite a few browsers, but I usually settle what allows me to be the most productive.
At a 3rd of Firefox's memory footprint, Flock basically takes most of your social extensions from Firefox, and integrates them in the browser functions.
This journal post is part of it's features as well as "Flockcasting" to my other social networking sites. RSS feeds are not as ambiguous as they used to be, and the best part for me is that most Firefox extensions that were not included in Flock, are compatible with it.
All the issues I have had with it seem to be based on the fact that it's still new. When logging into Flickr, it logs me out of Yahoo. and vice-versa. I do recommend backing up your old browser info, as there are some reports of Flock eating Favorites, and History, but overall satisfaction won me over. I'm "Flockstar" now, so
give it a try and become a Flockstar!
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| Friday, July 31st, 2009
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10:23 pm - I told you so's and whatnot
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Well Jason's "Compooper" whent kaput the other day, well the internet did. The man thrives on internet, so this was a major blow to him.
So this meant that Obaba had to put on the tights and cape and come in for a rescue...
GAH!!!
Meanwhile, 2 days later, on the verge of an "eff it WIPE EVERYTHING" I start an actually thinking process to get things going.
For anyone that is googling this, The symptoms are:
• PRISMSVR.exe "Prisim Profile Manager" crashes when trying to establish a connection (sometimes with PRISMCFG.exe responding the same)
• No wireless internet connection.
• The internal modem and chipset devices are disabled in the Hardware Profile.
• System Restore lulz what's that?
First things first. Clean up your computer. As with any mess, you have to start somewhere. Run regular diagnostics (Defrag, scan disk in through mode). Disk Cleanup as well. There are a slew of files that get dumped in your system during installs, updates and regular internet usage that slow a system down and take up space.
After the basics are done, got the the next tier of maintenance: Virus/Mallware/Adware/Spyware scans. Run you virus checker with a through scan of your system. Chances are you picked up something as your root issue. Once it's done, check your log files to make sure the offenders were deleted, removed quarantined from the hard drive.
Next, Reboot. Afterward, look at those disconnected devices in your Device manager. Glare at them if you wish.
Note the make and model of your desktop or laptop and head to the manufacture's site and look for support drivers for the modem ad chipset on your machine. Burn or move them via flash drive to the comp with an issue. Install and reboot.
On reboot, go to start button and select "Run" and type "services.msc" This will bring up the Services panel from the Administrative Tools.
While some recommend messing with Zero Configuration settings. Don't bother. Look for (RPC) Remote Procedure Call. And a few other Remote related entries. Right click and under properties, start or restart all except Remote Desktop Help Session Manager.
Then go into your wireless client utility, and sometimes it doesn't even take that much, but it will detect your connection like crazy after everything is enabled.
I would like to thank Ruby for being a trooper and hanging out with me all day. She slept quietly the whole time.
Current Mood:  Accomplished with a bit of exhaustion.
Currently Listening To: YPP sound effects. Got sunk in 2 Sea Monster Hunts. @_@
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| Monday, July 27th, 2009
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11:42 am - Back in the Sloop again.
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(Rambling post but trying LJ's remote posting feature)So Obaba is back at YPP again. Well Toji is mostly and the thrill with playing as Toji is that my alt pirate is much better at everything than my main pirate. Same player, but oddly better. This far Toji has memorized 86% of the Midnight Ocean, while Obaba has about 21%. Sad really, but consider that Toji as a captain is really expected to provide charting services to the crew and should be able to chart anywhere.
Toji is also a "playable pirate", as while I can play around and shop for furni, clothes and pets as Obaba, Toji is all about the business of piracy. Pillaging, commodity and gem runs. Clothes are rarely a concern, as Toji's a one trick pony when it comes to attire. However the Captain is not without vices. The poker palour is one place to find Toji losing some hard earned coin. I have taken to removing the ability of Toji to gamble all of my PoE (Pieces of Eight) away by hoarding it with Obaba, Kai and Oyaji, (the latter 2 Jason's main and alt). So essentially Toji pays for the time on Midnight Obaba could be playing. The most of the rest goes to the crew fund. This leaves Toji with about 2K on hand at any given time.
So speaking of Toji in the more artistic sense, I am taking much pleasure in writing and drawing related work, including a certain neglected comic.
Writing Toji's dialog is hilarious as it gives me room to play around a lot. Hardest part seems to be, "to be" as the verb and tenses tend to be butchered often. Toji has actually penned a few things for the crew and while the general dislike of Swabbies is apparent, the captain has a soft spot when it comes to Greenies, (no surprise) but is quick to plank a disrespectful cur for lack of tact or "bad form".
In Le Freccette, Obaba is the crew Muse as it seemed appropriate, however in life, the Captain has been a muse to me, both inspiring on a artistic and personal level, regardless of what villainy may lie under that spiffy hat.
Arr!
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| Wednesday, July 15th, 2009
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8:23 am - Frustration and solace
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2 things in this post.
First, the death of my $@%@! monitor. It has been replaced by a wide and sexy 1600x900 HP that hurts my eyes with love.
I can now see the true beauty of that graphics card I got last year. Splendid. My toolbars in openCanvas don't get in the way anymore too! I was also completely forgot the old monitor had speakers and never thought about replacing monitor AND speakers. Not to worry, the new one has speakers too and they sound better!!morexlamationpoints!!11!!!!!!
The test drive continued with Puzzle Pirates.
 Mein Gott Himmel!! I can see the whole island while standing on the docks.
I put Toji on a sloop and I could see the whole ship!
Next test was Guild Wars. Correcting the resolution was nothing as once fixed, the vivid colors obscured by my old monitor came to light.
In Whirled, I can walk across my hut without the screen scrolling.
The downside is all the little mistakes I saw in my art are 200% more obvious to me.
Second topic., working at the nations largest retailer once again has put me back in a comfortable spot. I also hear from my former co-workers daily about the new less reasonable policy that is putting the entire on notice that failure is eminent. People are stressed and even if the job pays well, it's hard to simply find another at the same rates in a predominantly rural area as we have around here. One thing about changing to higher paying job in this area, is that my needs didn't change, so I really wasn't spending much more than when I was working at the store. For people whose lives have changed due to income increase at that employer, they may be faced with some crushing financial issues because of a job loss.
I really feel for them. It's a sad state that most people in the area have been digested by this company, now ejected and are struggling. How many people can my store absorb due to this deluge of new applicants I am unsure of. I am part time, working 4:30pm to 9pm today. Some weeks 3 days off. Whatever is going on at my old employer may need some perspective that a client that makes such a demand that causes your implosion, find another client. It's not worth your soul as a company. If it is indeed the company with the policy. Shame on you for neglecting your workforce in such a cold manner.
Current Mood:  Heading out to get my monthly injection in my butt! Then, to Hogwarts!
Currently Listening To: Sound coming out the speakers to my lovely new monitor!
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| Tuesday, July 7th, 2009
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5:21 pm - The hate the love and Goodbyes
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I watched the memorial for Michael Jackson this morning/afternoon. There was the usual media frenzy that gave me gave me a bad taste that dissipated after it started in earnest.
I was concerned for the family, honestly. And as for seeing Michael or some open casket nonsense, I feel the man, although a genius as an artist, was eccentric and had plastic surgery-ed himself far beyond superficial changes. Even to note the images in memories shared we're mostly from 10 years back or so.
It was moving at times, Brother Jermaine choking back emotion as he performed "Smile", Mariah Carey opening and getting overwhelmed herself. And Stevie Wonder as solemn as I have ever seen him. The tears started and didn't stop.
And then Paris in defense of her father.
There were those times I wanted to slap a "STFU" on Sheila Jackson's campaign speech as well as Berry Gordy for bust when tact was needed. It was also heavy on religion, but in times like these, people need faith.
There have been a few people going on about anger, elation and sometimes hatred toward a man that lived for so long in the public eye without relent. His moves and words so overstaurated the media, he became a caricature of all that was sensational about fame. In that, a lot of the substance was lost.
In a way, I can relate to Jackson family. I have always cherished the fact I was blessed with and a big family overflowing with love, encouragement and creativity in our own right. We never became the next "Jackson 5", but we never stopped being creative, or giving back. Most in the family went into occupations in service to others: Nurses, firefighters, police officers, social services, teachers, armed forces, or simply through our church or masque and giving of ourselves.
And we have suffered the loss of those called home sooner than we expected.
At it's core, the whole whirlwind of media attention has made Jackson's death a spectacle. Entrepreneurs profited off of it with the sale of his image slapped on a shirt or a poster. The memorial was for those that looked past that...
If there was an image that I have of Michael Jackson, this is it. An adorable little boy with so many dreams and the will and talent to launch himself to super stardom. This is our brother and we will miss him dearly.
Current Mood: Saying my goodbyes.
Currently Listening to: "I'll Be There"
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| Saturday, June 27th, 2009
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10:47 pm
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"Were sendin' out
A major love
And this is our
Message to you
The planets are linin' up
We're bringin' brighter days
They're all in line
Waitin' for you
So look the truth
You're just another part of me"
Current Mood:  Better.
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| Thursday, June 25th, 2009
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5:56 pm - Sunset of icons of the past
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I remember when I got my first stereo. Silver and blue with tinted cover and dual tape deck. It was so 80's It served our family for years before I parted ways with it. I got one album with it, and that was "Thriller".
While a lot of people may not have liked everything about the man and his "madness", he was loved and and adored by countless many, respected by his peers, and and frankly he had an inspirational story.
There was so much that can be said of him, but now begins the child custody battle, estate affairs, the tabloids having a field day grabbing a reports that he's been swooped up by aliens at the last moment or this was a conspiracy for him to escape the accusations and crushing debt he had incurred.
But that is for later. For now, we need to understand that even a Peter pan can die and I reminisce that I am playing that LP for the first time once again. And then smile again.
Rest in Peace Michael Jackson.
Current Mood: I never believed that silly on stage kiss. I knew it wouldn't last.
Currently Listening to: "Thriller" on my stereo on a December morning in 1982.
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| Friday, June 19th, 2009
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1:24 am - Kick in the Head.
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Jason feels slighted by "friends", that he pays money to for commissions. So much so that he is losing faith in a community that once was a comfort to him. Now, with AC around the corner, he is charging that it will be the factor in how he lives the rest of his life: Waiting in anticipation for the next convention, or living walled in his own world oblivious to anything else.
I am of course part of this. Being an artist, I cannot produce enough art for my husband at the capacity or content that he wants it.
As time goes by, and internet fame fades, to some peoples he is becoming just another commission request.
So. There was rage at the community, the sub community and artists ,never mind that I have suggested he try his hand at art dozens of times), shying away from moving to the east coast because there is nothing for him there, even tho' I have said that he has family there, he's not a family oriented person.
But, I am.
Maybe the truth is hard that what he has always asked for, has been done to death or artist don't feel challenged by it. I don't know how to illustrate what I mean short of beating a dead horse. The formula of "Draw your character A in poses X, Y, and Z" has played out for over 10 years. It also could simply be that not everyone likes him, although I find Jason adorable.
Is it wrong of them to shut down on him in general? Sure. A customer contacts you about your advertised product, ANSWER THEM.
Some artists seem to think that they have every right to be a snob because they think their steaming pile smells better than the general public.
Not true. The fact that they put color and digitally edit just means it's a pretty steaming pile. Just come out and say that your pile isn't for sale and be done with it. Write don't criteria and stick to it and stop cherry picking the criteria after the fact.
Current Mood:  Miffed because there is so much to say and I don't care to say anymore.
Currently Listening To: my iTunes Sorted Playlist
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| Thursday, June 18th, 2009
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3:00 am - Comp scare.
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Know how much power your USB devices are using? I don't but it wasn't pretty a bit ago when my comp basically shut down and would not boot up. I followed the advice on the Asus website and booted all the basics, then turned one device on at a time. Things are running well, but I will watch what I do and the heat. It's too hot even for me!
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| Wednesday, June 17th, 2009
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1:52 pm - A taste of SPAM
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So both GoPets and Puzzle Pirates have added survey options to earn a little in game money. One of my fellow YPP players and I took them for a spin, and here's what we found.
The surveys are actually through a third parties Gambit and Peanut Labs, so it was unfortunate for my pirate friend, as he is not of age to participate in these surveys. Most requested at the least your name and email address. The next tier in the annoyance factor was the request of home address and phone number. The top annoyance factor was when it required credit card numbers, social security numbers, and cell phone number. How presumptive to think that everyone has a cell phone or credit card number to throw out there.
So most surveys are not able to be used by a good chunk of users that have neither credit cards, cell phones or are underage to have either.
I fall in 1 out of 3, but am not contribution my credit card number to someone that promises "Free" in one sentence and payment info in the next.
I did make an error and used my actual phone number in one of these (in appeared in an auto fill form), and I get no less than 5 calls a day for one survey, 3 from the same Orlando vacation offer at 8 am, 10 am sometime in the afternoon and in the evening while I am at work.
In emails, I received a explosion of spam, but since it goes into may spam email account, I had no real clue on what was created by the surveys or not. So with Gopets, I tried their surveys which are through Peanut Labs. While essentially being the same, they play a lot more on the annoyance factor. For example you can take a survey that claims to be free, and be directed to a pay survey to compete the offer. A pay survey is any survey that requires a credit card number. Many will say that it's not fair to expect something for nothing, however, it is also not fair to call them surveys either. These are data miners. They requires one to give a lot of information for an illusory reward. Information is a valuable thing in these times. So now that your information is collected, it is farmed and spewed into your email box as more data miners.
One literally was "Click here to find out" 12 times in the email, consecutively. No other content was there except for an tiny addendum for an unsubscribe whose font was so light, it was to be missed.
In the Gopets surveys, I created a 24 hour email and tried 4 surveys. In addition to the 4 that acknowledged I tried the surveys, 19 additional data mined emails appear in my mailbox within minutes of the sign up.
It's gross. Cell phone offers. TV offers. Camera offers. Contact Lens offers. Even an offer for a loan. And how many surveys did I complete?
None.
With these Pandora's Boxes, I get nothing in what I wanted, but I do get all this nonsense I never wanted. Both companies need to look at their users and understand that these services do nothing to encourage loyalty or even gameplay. They're just parasites. Step away and wash your hands of them.
Current Mood: Booo.
Currently Listening To: Trying to find that song that played when I was working at the Golden Nugget/Grand/Hilton
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| Saturday, June 6th, 2009
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9:32 am - For the love of Dug
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Pixar is the one bit of the Di$ney franchise that carries the concept of originality. After it's acquisition they made the intelligent choice of leaving it to it's own devices and make blockbusters.
In "Up", they accomplished that and introduced a character that brought back some heartfelt memories and indulge in some self criticism.
Dug the Dog was altogether adorable. Automatically he reminded me of my ol' buddy Toby
If it's not clear, Dug is in the clip on the right.
Dug is a a dog with a gift for gab. And that isn't a good thing. As it turns out, dogs really don't have much to say. He is fairly single minded and absolutely seeks the approval of his master. The other dogs, with years of honed skills, shun him and leave Dug to bumble about in whatever bliss is in his head. What he lacks in common sense, he seems to make up for in moments of inspired genius.
They never actually say Dug is a golden retriever, but it is clear he is one, albeit a bit on the chubby side.
Toby, was a dog's dog. He was a best friend and a neighborhood sled puller. His teeth bared only to smile and never to threaten (worse guard dog EVER). He would always come back, even when shunned. Always eager to please, he had been given rules to follow and did his best never to break them...unless the cats talked him into it. Even then, it was to please Augie and B.K.
You never see an unruly Golden on "The Dog Whisperer", or "It's Me Or the Dog". They may have issues with insecurity or overly boisterous greeting of guests, but in all these years I have yet to see a Golden that does anything but try to make his master pleased.
When you lose something as loyal as a Golden, or anyone who imparted unconditional love, you crave it. If you are lucky, you learn from it.
In my "doggishness", I realize that I aspired to what he gave me back then. To give and recive love, unconditionally. To seek approval from others, even awkwardly so. To put on my best face, even when the situation looks grim.
Watching the movie in the theater, a teared up a little behind my 3D glasses. Sure the movie was good, and sometimes even moving.
Being moved by this little bit of the familiar was the best feeling I've had in a while. I would hope my next dog will be a Golden. I won't be able to relive those blissful days, but I can always impart the wisdom of "The Dog's dog".
Current Mood: Nostalgic
Currently Listening To: "Squirrel!"
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| Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009
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2:56 pm - Gamers rejoice
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Long post about E3, so here is a Table of Contents:
Caught some highlights from E3 today. Some of the glimpses were truly mouth watering, while others just got caught in my throat. Links are provided when available.
Microsoft, Ubisoft and some of EA Games, were presenting today, and they it was pretty much a mix bag. Microsoft was the first console base to present it's plans for the next few quarters. As technology goes, they sugar-coated their "no controller" system, "NATAL" (pronounced "näh-täl"), still in it's neo NATAL stages. They had a demo that involved a lot of non-existent phantom tech and some buggy motion recognition demos. It is a nice concept, but the actual presentation was left to Lionhead Studios, Peter Molyneux, who brought a demo of the way this non-existent technology could work. But the best announcement about NATAL is that it will not require anyone to shell out for a new console.
Web Applications, Facebook Twitter and lastfm are coming to the Xbox 360 as well, giving ability to mini blog from the living room. What I guess I liked more was the fact that Felicia Day participated in the presentation. Other additions to the console were streaming live 1080p HD movies and TV to console, eliminating downloads. There is also a feature that allows you to invite friends to sit down in their own living rooms, wherever they are and watch movies with you.
And of course, GAMES.
First presenting Beetles Rockband with slated downloadable content seemed interesting to me more from the intro sequence. The feel of it was pretty fun. Getting Paul and Ringo to come one was pretty spiffy, if they had any idea what this was all about. They seemed lost on the stage and resorted to some comical antics. Good ice breaker, but as with all star power, "just because you can, does not mean you should".
Tony Hawk's Ride with a rocking skateboard controller, is made moot by NATAL, but since the board controller exists, and NATAL is somewhere in-between current tech and pie in the sky, the board controller actually functions practically. Since I don't play sk8tr games, I guess it's my loss.
I did enjoy the Saboteur, which is yet another game set in WWII era. The stealth options are pretty good, reminiscent of Assassins Creed, with a few add-ons.
The announcement that Final Fantasy XIII and Metal Gear Solid being developed was welcome, however Solid Snake has been retired and replaced with known exhibitionist Raiden. I have always thought that Raiden was being groomed to replace Snake at some point. But lets face it, the man is pretty while Snake was tough and gritty. It's demo was a build up of images with a reveal of Raiden, so no real game play. As always, I'll believe it when I see it.
FFXII was livelier with a full summon of Odin demoed. I was more curious about the little chick that appeared in the battle demo than the actual characters. Once again, they are banking on a female lead. The sidekick somehow reminded my of Richard Pryor after he sanitized his career.
May look at the full game when it has more meat on it's bones, but for now, I'm a little reserved
Modern Warfare 2 presented a stunning demo. Call of Duty developers, Epic, brought it seriously. It looks highly emersive and the graphics are sleek. Put a pick into the ice and it makes a noise like you put a pick in the ice. The ice sprouts spiderweb cracks as you do so, and it's little touches like that I enjoy. The firefight was simply chaotic, and I am sure an ally was in there somewhere. I don't know if he was occasionally a victim of friendly fire, but as much as I hate it, if the game is going to be realistic in other aspects, your allies should have issues with your bullets/grenades/mines taking them out.
4 Left for Dead and Crackdown 2 got into the gut of the matter. 4L4D2 seems to take place in New Orleans with 4 more survivors and more undead to face. Crackdown, looks more like the superhero version of the same genre.
Alan Wake was presented as a psychological thriller game. A writer who has retired to the woods, who's wife goes missing and the events in the book he's penning coming true. The presentation is terrifying as you pursue a informant as he is dragged away by forces unknown into the night. The tree line in the distance is torn apart as you make chase. Enemies are revealed in the dark and armed with a flashlight and a shotgun.
It just made me hope whatever this guy had to say had better be worth the trouble.
Bungie presumptuously appeared and presented 2 new Halo titles: Halo 3:ODST and Halo: Reach. In H3: ODST the firefight demo presented nothing I haven't seen before, but the story is a mystery to be solved with the perspectives of several ODST's that come under your control. Halo Reach was presented as going into Beta, but not much was said on that. I am not a Halo player, so the intro likely had more significance to someone that knows the franchise.
Forza Motorsport 3 and Joyride were the racing titles presented. Joyride is a free presentation that allows your XBox avatars to play a cart racer. While it offers a level of customization, Forza redefines the customization on racers. The ability to import graphics and customize your experience seems interesting. At first it was a regular racing game. But what's this, a drift racer option? Sweet! Interactivity and community seems to be very enhanced and so much to wrap my head around, I'll likely just need to try it to see what they meant.
I almost neglected the new Splinter Cell, Conviction...stunning. I love games that encorporate creative stealth in with gameplay and 2 games stood out with that Splinter Cell and Shadow Complex. Of course Splinter Cell uses the creep in the shadows system, but a new "target and execute" adds something new, allowing you to plan the best options to take out an opponent/s. Shadow Complex does much the same, but relies on the environment more. It is also a 3D side scroller, limiting the emersiveness somewhat, but seems to switch randomly between horizontal and vertical advancement. They made the comparison to classic Castlevania, but it is hard to understand how to be stealthy while the target is on the same plane and you are only covered by a well placed stack of crates. Criticism aside, i like the concept of the foam gun that allows you give yourself cover from enemy fire and climb to some normally inexesseable places.
I guess moving on to the other big presentations was a let down. Mostly because EA and Ubisoft presentations bored me to tears.
For EA, I did get a glimpse of Mass Effect 2. I saw the Normandy come into view and my only reaction was, "Jason will like to know about this".
There was also a littie title that I was oddly interested in. Brutal Legend looks like it could be a cult favorite. It's graphics are cartoony, the premise outlandish and a star studded cast with a metalhead appeal. I am interested how a heavy metal RPG will play out, but it looks brutal.
There was also an obligatory Star Wars nerd parade. A new franchise MMO in the works called simply, Star Wars:The Old Republic - Deceived. Evil Sith, Jedi lightsaber battles...
And that's all I have to say about that.
Ubisoft carted out James Cameron to talk about the Avatar game when my ADHD kicked in and I channel surfed to Style Network's Clean House...it is also a problem that most of Ubisoft's staff is French, so I instinctively tuned out whatever I didn't understand.
When I came back to the press conference, Cameron was still going on and I passed out.
I awoke to see Pele on stage and after a WTF moment, saw a trailer for "Academy of Champions", which looked like a Hogwarts for soccer players. Maybe it was a little to cartoony for me, but I was not interested.
More Splinter Cell was demoed, but it was pretty much the same demo as before.
I was appalled when some graphs were brought out. I know what everyone was waiting for and there is such a thing as dramatic build up.
Presented to appeal to the pre-teen girl market, Tween Games 2.0 was shown to cater to all that is girly and frivolous. Style Lab and a Jewelery making game that allows girls to create costume jewelry and they buy the creations in an online store.
I have to admit the ability to purchase actual stuff was cool, but these games encourage girls to break out gender roles and excel academically. Give me Brainage or Puzzle Quest.
As if to further degrade female body image, the game Your Shape scans your body and assists with a workout programed tailored to you requested needs. It seemed to present some more "phantom tech", but looks like if it is a archived, a lot of people will shell out the bucks for this and forgo a gym...even if they use it once before it's shelved and starts to collect dust.
One of the best presentations from Ubisoft was for the Rabbids franchise. The game was silly and fun and the humor was good. I found it odd that the Rabbids have an instinct about going to the moon and thinking that it's home. Someone at Ubi has an interest in Japanese folklore, I think.
TMNT debuted a fighter title that seems to play like SSBB, and...4 turtles, Shredder and April? There has got to be more than that, although it says you can play as anyone. Any one of the 6 characters? It has to be more than that.
They FINALLY got to what everyone was waiting for: Assassin's Creed 2
There was no game play demo, but the trailer is looking mighty sweet. Rumor: that water is no longer instant death is helpful since Venice is a heck of a lot of water. The addition of a little pistol alternate the dagger slot hand weapon gave me all sorts of ideas to use it in target elimination. Rumor: There is also said to be the ability to blend in more effectively with any group of people. If it has any of the gems that I saw in Saboteur, this game will win me over easily.
Looking forward to a lot of these, but Nintendo and Sony have yet to roll out their stuff. Stay tuned. G4 TV is airing a lot of the press conferences live, but they are also available to watch live, or in streaming format @ Gamespot.
Current Mood: Interested
Currently Listening To: the News
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| Friday, May 29th, 2009
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3:48 am - Obaba the Gamer
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So I have gotten back to my roots, so to speak. I am actively playing both Puzzle Pirates and Guild Wars again. I love hanging out on Whirled, I need to find my niche there again.
 For Puzzle Pirates, much has changed. There are new puzzles and challenges. I've falling in love with it all over again. But with more choices, comes a little confusion. I still hope to open a iron monger stall, and hope in some way that the old foraging comes back. Foraging for fruit adds an extra, less than piratey feel to the process.
I do like that you can find treasure maps, hunt and dig it up.
I SO WANT A SERPENT FAMILIAR LIKE YOU DON'T BELIEVE!
Toji is captain again, but the crew is on a slow burn with activity. Toji has whittled away the hours scoffing behind a hand at poker, and failing miserably on the new rigging puzzle. I swear, that puzzle encourages lazing. I prefer canvasing the canvas, speaking of which, THE COMIC, OBABA!! What are you doing?!?!?!!
Well, the game has changed by leaps and bounds since I started the story. Player and ocean dynamics have changed too. So I'm pretty much going to settle on a sufficiently piratey storyline based on what I know now. If things happen to change in the direction I am writing, then I luck out. If not, people will kindly point out my errors.
 For Guild Wars, they recently celebrated their 4th anniversary and offered more storage. I am always loving more places to hoard my collections and pets. They also are giving people an option to buy credits to change character appearances. This would normally not be something I'd be interested in, but since I created my Prophecies characters Ayanna and Shaniqua, I would really like if they had faces from Nightfall so my cousins all have some sort of coherence. I have also floated the idea of adding a male Assassin into the mix as well as a warrior sister for Mare. This may mean a backstory change, but that's not so bad.
And somewhere I wanted to get a monk character, but that would require another character slot. If I ever get a new one, it will be a monk.
The other interest I have is exploration and completion. I have yet to complete any campaign. I have phobias about some areas and would love to do a few missions with friends. I also love to capture skills. I'll go on a reconnaissance mission to scope out an enemy and terrain and return to assult them appropriately. My heroes are a lot of fun too. A lot of, "Koss! What are you doing you crazy $#%$@%^#!!!" ao on and so forth. Gwen, Olias and Dunkoro are also much adored.
I'd never be able to solo missions without them.
 In Whirled, I like the games and the company. I like to chat there for short periods of time, but am distracted often by the games availible or working in other tabs on Firefox. The only thing I enjoy more is the creative bits that tend to bloom like boils on my brain as I browse or change my rooms. One new things I am regreting is not adding more rooms when I had the chance. Rooms now cost 10K coin or 1 bar.
I am hoping to do a Sryusai series for Sleeping Dragons, but one of my greatest obstacles with the concept is the Flash content. I am simply horrid at it. And there are so many kids playing, learning and producing some aswesome work. So it's always a question of making things to share, or work on my visions and sell anything that happens to be useful.
I love the game on another level as well. I remember when it wasn't much more than one room and all of the testers just going, "What am I looking at?"
i remember getting my room and it being all pink. It was like so many other things I enjoy in life. Adventurous, creative and full of endless possiblities.
As for the other games that I play/distract/fill idle time with.
Gopets is becoming a grind. It's trying to be like WoW and it's economy is rather unstable.
Subeta is cute and absorbing, but rather portentous. It gains my interest every week or 2.
Neopets...um, I used to like it, but the corporate sucking noise ruined it for me.
Fable II has some nice new add ons, but the dog is still an idiot, the people are jerks and I am still the most awesome hero Abilon has ever seen. With Reaver gone, everything is boring.
Fallout 3. I realized it was post-apocalyptic Oblivion.
Oblivion is Fallout 3 without the Expiramental MIRV
Current Mood: Pretty good! The doctor said I am healthy and will see me again in September.
Currently Listening To:Guild Wars playing in the background
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obaba's journal
