tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22452420590834250612024-03-13T06:09:49.129-10:00Traditionally VirtualThoughts on Stuffteh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-27819703163869321402018-10-08T13:02:00.001-10:002018-10-08T13:09:34.092-10:00The Curious Case of a Conference that wants to be a Convention - HawaiiCon 2018<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZaJMJ18-NE/W6gLyPVrX_I/AAAAAAAADvw/3FEMWULVCh85gvkpFh_akLsm_rbcSX0IQCLcBGAs/s1600/backagen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="292" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZaJMJ18-NE/W6gLyPVrX_I/AAAAAAAADvw/3FEMWULVCh85gvkpFh_akLsm_rbcSX0IQCLcBGAs/s200/backagen.png" width="187" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How did we get here again?</td></tr>
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It's been a while since I've dusted off the storied pages of this blog, and one of the more popular poasts here was what I felt was <a href="http://dekurizugemu.blogspot.com/2014/09/dr-strangecon-or-how-i-learned-to-stop.html" target="_blank">a scathing review of the inaugural episode of HawaiiCon</a>, hosted annually on the Kona side of the Big Island after an adventure that left me very angry at the treatment my friends and I had been given, and after an interesting conversation about flimsy lanyards, I had told myself that this convention had to really get their shit together for me to return.<br />
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So of course 3 years later in 2017, I returned as a vendor -- selling gaming items as I with a few others had opened a gaming shop, and for the most part that particular weekend was pretty enjoyable (mostly because we had made a decent amount of money for a store which at the time had only opened in the previous month), but as I was dealing with my vending duties I was unable to really critique the "con" and look into the issues that I highlighted to see if HawaiiCon had, in fact, gotten their shit together.<br />
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Fast forward to this year: 2018. After working with the HawaiiCon Gaming department for the better part of nine months on and off, a series of unfortunate events caused me to attend this year not as a vendor, but as a volunteer. This became a great opportunity to not only re-critique what I did get to see, but also compare their first year to this... current year.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Things I Liked...</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBOyN3pNeq8/W7vg3nd7tCI/AAAAAAAADxU/KeQ6V1hi_Ho8tJfV0YS03HfW9Aye-nJXgCLcBGAs/s1600/41093191_328746444338158_9066278697917259066_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBOyN3pNeq8/W7vg3nd7tCI/AAAAAAAADxU/KeQ6V1hi_Ho8tJfV0YS03HfW9Aye-nJXgCLcBGAs/s320/41093191_328746444338158_9066278697917259066_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the more crowning moments of the con was presenting a Loco Moco to Stefan Pokorny of Dwarven Forge</td></tr>
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I know that at the bare minimum, some of the things I suggested did get implemented at the game room. Advertising was definitely much better compared to first year. A schedule was worked out, and (mostly) posted on the website. The layout of the room was a good collaboration effort, and I was happy to have been a part of the scheduling and layout process. On the days of, I liked how gaming room staff were active and inclusive, either starting up board games, running RPGs or manning the info booth. All my positive experiences with the convention were with gaming room staff, and for that I wanted to thank them for that. I also wanted to thank the gaming room VIPs, they were an absolute joy to pick their brains, have dinner with and just let them be them without the whole "famous" person connotation.</div>
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My demos for Star Wars Armada had a good amount of interest, at least 5 or 6 people were excited about the models themselves, and the Big Island Armada community got at least 1 more person playing. That is very exciting. </div>
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I'll take personal responsibility for that boost in popularity <a href="https://secrethitler.com/" target="_blank">in the greatest of social deduction games, Secret Hitler</a>. Between my heavy ironic right-wing posting IRL, and the jokes others made that I made zero attempt to shut down (<i>because why shut jokes down?</i>), I have had a few people after the convention thank me for the great experience and asked me about where they can get copies of the game. That for me, is a big victory. </div>
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Another great thing was being able to sell off some of the things I had in my closet -- I made like, $270, which I was happy to donate 10% to the local college tabletop gaming club for their activities.</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
... and the not-so-much stuff.</h4>
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Again, I feel like the event organizers sees gaming as a side note, something to be tacked onto an academic conference with sci-fi undertones. I had a few just "LITERALLY WHY" moments that weekend:</div>
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<ol>
<li>Due to how the layout of the venue is, a bigger panel room opposite one of the walls hosted a cosplay contest. This in itself is not a problem, the problem was when it was decided that the green room for the cosplay contestants (and the infiltration/exfiltration for these contestants) was through the gaming room. So you can understand my displeasure when a crowd of people wandering in with organizers shouting at them to get in a line and find the door in the middle of a room for quiet activities. I had to stop my scheduled Star Wars Armada demo for a good 20 minutes while I waited for the crowds to do their thing and leave. I could tell that the visitors that were with me were also pretty annoyed that they were unable to concentrate on the game and instead had to jostle about since the line/crowd ran completely through the center of the room. Paid VIP events off to the side were also disrupted by the crowd, and I'm annoyed that an event that those people paid to participate in were disrupted. They shouldn't have to deal with that. </li>
<li>As a last minute, not on the gaming schedule thing, the gaming department gets drafted in some sort of charity casino night event? So participants pay money to play "board games" -- really just a couple of craps/blackjack tables and then some cards against humanity tables towards the center. I (in my stupidity, I guess) hosted a Secret Hitler table, which of course became the most popular game of the weekend when people actually play it. Anyway, I get looks of derision from a couple of the organizers, and I even get a few people come and harass the table, just because the board game has the bad man's name on it <i><b>OH NOOO</b></i>. Meanwhile, literally across the room is a game also made by the same people -- Cards Against Humanity. So we can't play well designed board games because the bad, scary dude's name is on it? That's bullshit. Anyway, after a few rounds of Secret Hitler, we played more social deduction games like Coup, which the table enjoyed. In this case, I just found the obvious closed mindedness very unfortunate, and I want to thank those people that gave the games a chance and had an excellent time of it!</li>
<li>I heard about a staffer that was arrested for property damage at the hotel, and was apparently allowed to return to the venue as a convention goer. I don't know exactly how much of the story is true (I know the arrest happened but did not confirm personally that the person in question got to return.), but I would have not only dropped them from the volunteer staff, but I would have asked them to just not come back, period. It caused some real questions to be asked among the other volunteers, that's all.</li>
<li>I heard about a different staffer doing inappropriate things with another person and while it was handled correctly in my opinion, I was disappointed that something like that happened and I hope that it doesn't happen again.</li>
</ol>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
And for the more minor things I didn't like:</h2>
<ul>
<li>The convention pamphlet lacked basic functions like a map of the venue, schedule of events, list of panels with descriptions, and hours of operation. You would think all these things were a simple affair, and would have been included immediately. Instead we get a 30 page advertisement that was for all intents and purposes useless for the congoer. I think there was talk of an app or something, but I'm almost certain nobody actually used it, so there's that.</li>
<li>The "feedback" panel was more just a solicitation for people to praise the panel, and not actually put in some good critiques. A couple of people tried to raise some issues, but were quickly swept under the rug with announcements about the resort fee being waved next year. WOO TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS WOO. That was embarrassing.</li>
<li>Why are we spending so much money on C/D-rated celebrities, but we STILL have flimsy business cards for con badges. <u><b>Nobody checks them</b></u>, the badges are too small to notice them. Lanyards are a little better, but that's not saying much. I have considered a couple of times just literally wearing a badge from a previous year and just melding into the crowd.</li>
<li>Volunteer staff may be differentiated by "tract" or department, but this differentiation still isn't made on the badges. In the case of a security issue, I still have no way to flag down a security staffer. Instead, I was given the number of the head of security, but that seems not very useful if he's swamped doing crowd control and I have to call him across the entire hotel for an immediate issue.</li>
<li>The price is still way too high for normal people to attend. If you drop the prices on tickets, you will get way more people to attend, the volume of people that goes up, the higher the potential for sales. It's insane to have such a high entry cost for such a tiny convention. </li>
</ul>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Continued Thoughts on Stuff </h4>
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I suppose as it is, HawaiiCon is already a pretty great <i>academic conference</i>. So if the organizers want to continue in that direction, I suppose there's nothing I can suggest that can change that. If they want to move this towards the truly inclusive setting to everyone like the organizers keep on telling me that they want then I believe these suggestions may help:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Have a convention booklet with a map, hours of operation, list of panels with descriptions and code of conduct within the booklet, not a haphazard printout made the night before the event.</li>
<li>Improved, visible convention badges large enough for convention staff to be able to check badges easier. The staff shirts are very good, do continue with that.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.hawaiicon.com/" target="_blank">The website is in dire need of improvement.</a> The elements are sloppy, and the sloppiness makes it hard to quickly discern needed information. It detracts from the event big time.</li>
<li>Dramatically reduced prices for locals -- the kamaaina rate for entry needs to be way lower if you want more people on the inside.</li>
<li>If you don't want dramatically reduced overall prices, then perhaps a reduced price for those that just want to do gaming stuff so that tournaments can fire at reasonable prices for the vendors and attendees.</li>
<li>More volunteer meetings across the year for training purposes. <b>A one-time long lecture "training" is honestly not good enough.</b> In addition, the level of information given to staffers really needs to be increased so that we can do our jobs better.</li>
<li>The volunteers need to be given some sort of actual appreciation. As much as I love reading one and <u>literally only one</u> thankful post on facebook, an after-party would be a great step in a better direction for the volunteers.</li>
<li><u><i>For the Gaming Room</i>:</u> I suggest that for the gaming meetings (which are plentiful and are mostly fruitful) that they end with the people that show up actually <b>play a board game</b> at the end as a means of training the volunteer staff and so that they can start a board game demo on the fly if there's a lack of things going on in the gaming room. Hell, one meeting should just be hosting an RPG one shot, as an icebreaker activity and to introduce the hobby to those new to it.</li>
</ul>
Again, I think this event has the potential to really take off. I beg the organizers to find some time to actually go to a real convention and stop trying to just make this a 4 day dinner party with some C/D-list celebrities while you sprinkle some sci-fi stuff on it that seems cool because you read about on some webpage. It's embarrassing and I have no desire to give up 2 days of badly needed paid work to work a 40+ hour weekend with little to no appreciation from the higher ups. It's one of the reasons that made me leave the KawaiiKon volunteers after many years of loyal service. This event isn't even nearly that big.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
A Final Word on Other Things and Stuff</h4>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4x_wzq93gxw/W7vcAqR3lkI/AAAAAAAADxI/ZC2oHHx54VkY6NeFAgftiHmEr0Ylt_F3ACLcBGAs/s1600/SlowYourRoll_Business_Card-front_360x.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="360" height="186" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4x_wzq93gxw/W7vcAqR3lkI/AAAAAAAADxI/ZC2oHHx54VkY6NeFAgftiHmEr0Ylt_F3ACLcBGAs/s320/SlowYourRoll_Business_Card-front_360x.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now that I've gotten my word vomit finally on paper, here's some more positive stuff that I'm looking forward to:<br />
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As of the writing of this article, I am throwing some of my support behind a new gaming lifestyle venture, known as <a href="http://slowyourrollgaming.com/" target="_blank">Slow Your Roll</a>. I'll be starting out with blagpoasts (which will be mirrored here) and YouTube videos, and I intend to eventually start hosting a regular podcast if I can find someone with a good mic and some time to just shitpost on a microphone. It's pretty exciting stuff, and I ask that you follow them on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/slowyourrollgaming/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as well as on <a href="https://twitter.com/SlowYourRoll808" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/slowyourrollgaming/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. Bonus points if you buy some of their <a href="https://slowyourrollgaming.com/collections/frontpage" target="_blank">apparel</a>, or perhaps some cards from their <a href="https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/product/show?newSearch=false&IsProductNameExact=true&sellerfilter=61543753&orientation=grid" target="_blank">TCGPlayer account</a>! There are a lot of ideas bouncing around in my head, and I am looking forward to working with the Slow Your Roll team to organize and execute these ideas.</div>
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Until next time, may your ventures be successful, you critique and accept good criticism, and you live life to the fullest.</div>
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teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-61862155646645088972016-04-24T21:26:00.000-10:002016-04-24T21:26:09.175-10:00Anime Movie Review: The Anthem of the Heart<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgW7fGF0tL0/Vx3BGy2KF7I/AAAAAAAAAiA/Hbrjtw7uATkauznHcstUZU5RQruf7FnpgCLcB/s1600/%255Bsergey_krs%255D%2BKokoro%2Bga%2BSakebitagatterunda.%2B%255BBDRip%2B1920x1080%2Bx264%2BFLAC%255D.mkv_snapshot_00.47.07_%255B2016.04.24_15.49.48%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgW7fGF0tL0/Vx3BGy2KF7I/AAAAAAAAAiA/Hbrjtw7uATkauznHcstUZU5RQruf7FnpgCLcB/s400/%255Bsergey_krs%255D%2BKokoro%2Bga%2BSakebitagatterunda.%2B%255BBDRip%2B1920x1080%2Bx264%2BFLAC%255D.mkv_snapshot_00.47.07_%255B2016.04.24_15.49.48%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naruse has moe down pat.</td></tr>
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This blogpost has me talking about a film that released late last year, a fun watch that left the warm fuzzies in my heart at the end.<br />
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Kokosake (<a href="http://myanimelist.net/anime/28725/Kokoro_ga_Sakebitagatterunda" target="_blank">The Anthem of the Heart --<i> </i>心が叫びたがってるんだ。</a>) is a coming of age story following four high schoolers; Sakagami Takumi (VA: Uchiyama Kouki), Naruse Jun (VA: Minase Inori), Tasaki Daiki (VA: Hosoya Yoshimasa), and Nitou Natsuki (VA: Amamiya Sora). The story begins with Naruse Jun, and how she is made to believe that because of her cheerful talkativeness, she breaks apart her family and is literally the worst thing ever. This changes the poor girl, making her a mute for all intents and purposes.<br />
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We then move to the present day, where a music teacher (voiced by the amazing Fujiwara Keiji) at the local high school assigns the four to be the executive producers for their class' annual community outreach show. I won't get into the minutiae of the story -- essentially the film explores how they each come out of their collective shells as well as open up to one another and the world around them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DT5Q1j3E8Os/Vx3DSM5p9qI/AAAAAAAAAic/yJv-m8eUy58FyWF-dV355QwbOLrVQXs7gCLcB/s1600/%255Bsergey_krs%255D%2BKokoro%2Bga%2BSakebitagatterunda.%2B%255BBDRip%2B1920x1080%2Bx264%2BFLAC%255D.mkv_snapshot_01.26.25_%255B2016.04.24_16.29.40%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DT5Q1j3E8Os/Vx3DSM5p9qI/AAAAAAAAAic/yJv-m8eUy58FyWF-dV355QwbOLrVQXs7gCLcB/s400/%255Bsergey_krs%255D%2BKokoro%2Bga%2BSakebitagatterunda.%2B%255BBDRip%2B1920x1080%2Bx264%2BFLAC%255D.mkv_snapshot_01.26.25_%255B2016.04.24_16.29.40%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy Egg Fairy musketeer ruins all QT grilles in anime.</td></tr>
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Eggs are a major leitmotiv in the film. Near the beginning of the film, Sakagami hears the story of a small shrine for a local kami who loved talking. The kami fancied eggs "filled" with the thoughts and wishes of worshippers. Naruse is cursed by a magical Egg Fairy in a cavalier hat, sealing her voice away (see above).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWTHdsoR10U/Vx3DI_cMjHI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/CbBNdTrxSp4hGKMSWpM6RYYn6DOmzkkygCLcB/s1600/%255Bsergey_krs%255D%2BKokoro%2Bga%2BSakebitagatterunda.%2B%255BBDRip%2B1920x1080%2Bx264%2BFLAC%255D.mkv_snapshot_00.35.09_%255B2016.04.24_15.06.16%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWTHdsoR10U/Vx3DI_cMjHI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/CbBNdTrxSp4hGKMSWpM6RYYn6DOmzkkygCLcB/s400/%255Bsergey_krs%255D%2BKokoro%2Bga%2BSakebitagatterunda.%2B%255BBDRip%2B1920x1080%2Bx264%2BFLAC%255D.mkv_snapshot_00.35.09_%255B2016.04.24_15.06.16%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naruse spoke to her friends via text message for a good portion of the film. I found this way of communication rather neato.</td></tr>
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A-1 Pictures is always known for quality in their projects, and they didn't disappoint with this film. At times one can see where the budget ran thin, but those times are few and far between. The best part of the film was the climax scene, where the class is putting on a musical. Naruse is nowhere to be found, and Sakagami has to find her. Things happen, and she triumphantly enters, saving the production.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOsyOaDDVS8/Vx3DT5A4iAI/AAAAAAAAAig/QlZfvDLJZE0Wr3BQ5PaVGhkTJqky5f4sQCLcB/s1600/%255Bsergey_krs%255D%2BKokoro%2Bga%2BSakebitagatterunda.%2B%255BBDRip%2B1920x1080%2Bx264%2BFLAC%255D.mkv_snapshot_01.46.57_%255B2016.04.24_16.50.17%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOsyOaDDVS8/Vx3DT5A4iAI/AAAAAAAAAig/QlZfvDLJZE0Wr3BQ5PaVGhkTJqky5f4sQCLcB/s400/%255Bsergey_krs%255D%2BKokoro%2Bga%2BSakebitagatterunda.%2B%255BBDRip%2B1920x1080%2Bx264%2BFLAC%255D.mkv_snapshot_01.46.57_%255B2016.04.24_16.50.17%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably one of the best scenes in the film.</td></tr>
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Outside of the fascination with eggs, the film is like a lighter Koe no Katachi (which I hear has a film under production, either with A-1 Pictures or Kyoto Animation heading the project) with less psychological abuse and more slice of life. I give the film a good <b>7.5/10</b> -- good, but no masterpiece.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
In Closing</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's a little late coming, but I've started putting up content at <a href="http://pecrum.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pecuniary Ruminations</a>. I'm due to write a short <i>State of My Securities</i> post tomorrow, while I watch my money light on fire. Check it out! Also expect another anime film review in the coming days -- it was by request that I did this one, and I have another one to do as well.</div>
teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-55535169435653853902016-03-28T21:20:00.002-10:002016-04-07T17:46:14.858-10:00Anime Movie Review Double Feature: Windaria and The Borrowers Arietty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arietty's Family: Me. The Racoon: all those bills I need to pay.</td></tr>
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Today's blogpost is a little different, in that I'm going to review a couple of anime films that I've watched recently. I've taken film classes back when I was in college, and I actually enjoyed the task of reviewing films. As such, when asked to do a short review on a couple of movies I saw just last week, I took up my pen and brushed the rust flakes off this old blog.</div>
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The two films are definitely spanning the decades, the first being the 1986 film <i>Windaria</i> and the more recent Ghibli film <i>The Borrowers Arietty </i>from 2010.</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Windaria </h2>
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Windaria (<a href="http://myanimelist.net/anime.php?id=1130" target="_blank"><i>Windaria: Tales of Fabulous Battle</i> - 童話めいた戦史ウインダリア</a>) is the tale of two city states that have lived in peace for a long while. One day, an incident involving an attempted sabotage of an above-water city wall starts tensions between the city states of Itha, a matriarchal society who lives in a city similar to New Orleans, and Paro, a militaristic patriarchal society with a desire to go to war with their neighbor. The plot is a convoluted mess that surrounds the main character Izu, a guy who lives in the Village of Blossoms located somewhere between the two cities. The movie ends with the destruction of Itha, and the loss of everything Izu holds dear through his own foolishness. The characters feel like PCs from a tabletop game where the players have just learned what roleplay is, and as such are very mechanical, very unfeeling.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c5jalSoEYBU/VvomxiNtSuI/AAAAAAAAAS0/EpKkhzkAu20s3GAwapIKYa607pv0G0lfg/s1600/%255BA-FanRips%255D_Windaria_-_%255BH264_AC3_5.1%255D_%255B7EDF7B8E%255D.mkv_snapshot_01.01.35_%255B2016.03.21_19.36.28%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c5jalSoEYBU/VvomxiNtSuI/AAAAAAAAAS0/EpKkhzkAu20s3GAwapIKYa607pv0G0lfg/s400/%255BA-FanRips%255D_Windaria_-_%255BH264_AC3_5.1%255D_%255B7EDF7B8E%255D.mkv_snapshot_01.01.35_%255B2016.03.21_19.36.28%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found what Shirou was doing before his work on Fate/stay night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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The movie is dated, having been released in 1986, and to be honest, the techniques used in the film are among the high points I give. You definitely get an idea of 80's anime, especially if you haven't seen films like <i>Terra e</i>, or the great 80's epic <i>Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu</i>. It's a great film for studying the techniques and artistic styles of that time period.<br />
<br />
That being said, I couldn't stand the pacing choices within the film, the most flagrant of issues being throwing an insert song in a place with zero movement. I understand your need to illustrate the "romance" between Parovian Prince Jill and Ithan Princess Ahnas, but that insert song felt forced and was very jarring. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fo1EHBuxJLA/Vvomy1KJVkI/AAAAAAAAAS0/urAAzilU97gS_42g0sSpHuAMPHbVJpSUQ/s1600/%255BA-FanRips%255D_Windaria_-_%255BH264_AC3_5.1%255D_%255B7EDF7B8E%255D.mkv_snapshot_01.16.55_%255B2016.03.21_19.52.49%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fo1EHBuxJLA/Vvomy1KJVkI/AAAAAAAAAS0/urAAzilU97gS_42g0sSpHuAMPHbVJpSUQ/s400/%255BA-FanRips%255D_Windaria_-_%255BH264_AC3_5.1%255D_%255B7EDF7B8E%255D.mkv_snapshot_01.16.55_%255B2016.03.21_19.52.49%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That wasn't the only thing that was jarring about their relationship.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
While I am happy that the technology and art have not dated too badly, and are actually pretty good, the convoluted pacing within the plot and unbelievably poor choices made by the characters make it hard for me to rate it higher than a <b>4/10</b>. Watch it for the techniques used, not for the story or the characters.</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
The Borrowers Arietty</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dn0662kjemQ/VvomsUcs8AI/AAAAAAAAASw/NSPF5gHfHUIegNTthipqJmLRwHFHgux9A/s1600/The_Borrowers_Arrietty_%25282010%2529_%255B720p%252CBluRay%252Cx264%252CDTS%255D_-_THORA-UTW.mkv_snapshot_00.33.41_%255B2016.03.26_17.18.29%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dn0662kjemQ/VvomsUcs8AI/AAAAAAAAASw/NSPF5gHfHUIegNTthipqJmLRwHFHgux9A/s400/The_Borrowers_Arrietty_%25282010%2529_%255B720p%252CBluRay%252Cx264%252CDTS%255D_-_THORA-UTW.mkv_snapshot_00.33.41_%255B2016.03.26_17.18.29%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Absolutely gorgeous scenes, masterfully done.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Borrowers Arietty (<a href="http://myanimelist.net/anime/7711/Karigurashi_no_Arrietty" target="_blank"><i>The Borrower Arietty </i>- 借りぐらしのアリエッティ</a>) is a coming of age film about the realities of change, based on the Mary Norton novel "The Borrowers". The story revolves around Sho, a boy whose imminent heart surgery has him just about bedridden in his Great Aunt's old house, as well as Arietty, a pixie-like tomboy who is a "Borrower" (借りぐらし) as she calls her species. When Sho sees Arietty on her first borrowing, it causes a chain reaction that involve the kidnapping and rescue of her mother, the moving of Arietty's family, and the coming together of two unlikely beings. The ending is bittersweet, with Sho making friends with Arietty, but the two are forced to part -- it's the Borrower way, to move when seen by the "human beans", which is the term the Borrowers have called humans in general.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DAkBsX7d6Pg/VvomuGbIq8I/AAAAAAAAASw/LHx-pr7zBwEqga9Ah0vBvQIwT4Dv81w4Q/s1600/The_Borrowers_Arrietty_%25282010%2529_%255B720p%252CBluRay%252Cx264%252CDTS%255D_-_THORA-UTW.mkv_snapshot_00.13.27_%255B2016.03.26_16.58.11%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DAkBsX7d6Pg/VvomuGbIq8I/AAAAAAAAASw/LHx-pr7zBwEqga9Ah0vBvQIwT4Dv81w4Q/s400/The_Borrowers_Arrietty_%25282010%2529_%255B720p%252CBluRay%252Cx264%252CDTS%255D_-_THORA-UTW.mkv_snapshot_00.13.27_%255B2016.03.26_16.58.11%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scale of how large the human world is for the Borrowers is immediately apparent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ghibli has always been a quality movie studio, and this specimen is no different. The bright, colorful backgrounds are reminiscent of Makoto Shinkai's recent films (actually, I suppose Shinkai's recent films are more Ghibli like if I really think about it), with vibrant greens alongside muted browns and greys. The background music is light and airy, reminiscent of the Borrowers' freedom and lifestyle. The animation technique is stunning, with detail given to little things like wind moving within the plant life that grows on the house of Sho's Great Aunt.</div>
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<span id="goog_678855914"></span><span id="goog_678855915"></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IdYQKZDN8-M/VvomvCdfhBI/AAAAAAAAASw/OmWBsw2M3UogFlLy2oPo2nOAjEfZ1-oDw/s1600/The_Borrowers_Arrietty_%25282010%2529_%255B720p%252CBluRay%252Cx264%252CDTS%255D_-_THORA-UTW.mkv_snapshot_01.02.04_%255B2016.03.26_17.46.57%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IdYQKZDN8-M/VvomvCdfhBI/AAAAAAAAASw/OmWBsw2M3UogFlLy2oPo2nOAjEfZ1-oDw/s400/The_Borrowers_Arrietty_%25282010%2529_%255B720p%252CBluRay%252Cx264%252CDTS%255D_-_THORA-UTW.mkv_snapshot_01.02.04_%255B2016.03.26_17.46.57%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, another fantastic shot that juxtaposes the gargantuan boy against the tiny Borrower girl.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
All in all, it's a light film with the ability to tug at the heartstrings at the end. While it's no <i>Place Promised</i> or <i>5cm/Sec</i>, it's still a great film to watch with friends and family. My favorite portion was when Arietty went with her father on her first Borrowing. The work involved to illustrate the amount of adventure found inside the walls and floorboards of a house is quite impressive. <b>8/10</b> -- A great film. </div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
In Closing</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, that was enjoyable. I'm still getting my initial data together for the first real content post over at <a href="http://pecrum.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">my new personal finance blog</a> -- check that out closer to the end of the week.</div>
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Until next time.</div>
teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-13437433485805092112016-03-09T14:08:00.001-10:002016-03-09T14:08:55.563-10:00Pecuniary Ruminations<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I recently started a new personal finance blog called <u>Pecuniary Ruminations</u>. <a href="http://pecrum.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check it out here</a>. New Content Soon</span></h2>
teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-65435913913876151672014-10-24T13:46:00.000-10:002014-10-24T14:48:14.694-10:00MTG Decklists: Sen-I-Soshitsu<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyGFM5CGnoo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">For Your Listening Pleasure</a></i></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AsvJ6BzC9bY/VErUp1vJdnI/AAAAAAAAAMk/a7ZpZEAjVYg/s1600/Killlll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AsvJ6BzC9bY/VErUp1vJdnI/AAAAAAAAAMk/a7ZpZEAjVYg/s1600/Killlll.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artist's Rendition of the Author preparing for Game Day</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I recently had the distinct <strike>pleasure</strike> experience of playing in my local FLGS <i>Khans of Tarkir</i> Game Day, and, as I'm wont to do, I brought a decklist that was definitely not meta for the small town of Hilo, Hawaii. Or really much of anything for that matter. </div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Story Time</h2>
The plan to run this deck was birthed with a passing joke when my friend Blankato threw the following decklist at me on <i>Khans</i> release weekend. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uOzKFCwu4w8/VErXzaPORCI/AAAAAAAAAMs/zr5hEEiCzxU/s1600/lyst.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uOzKFCwu4w8/VErXzaPORCI/AAAAAAAAAMs/zr5hEEiCzxU/s1600/lyst.png" height="115" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mtgtop8.com/event?e=8230&f=ST" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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I looked it over, took a sip of whatever magical alcohol Blankato had served that night, and jokingly said that I should run it for Game Day. At the time, I was brewing an Izzet deck that ran <a href="http://magiccards.info/mi/en/224.html" target="_blank">Ornithopter</a>/<a href="http://magiccards.info/ds/en/164.html" target="_blank">Darksteel Citadel</a>/<a href="http://magiccards.info/m15/en/54.html" target="_blank">Ensoul Artifact</a>, <a href="http://magiccards.info/m15/en/229.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scuttling Doom Engine</a>, and other shenanigans, like <a href="http://magiccards.info/mi/en/106.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shrapnel Blast</a>. The deck wasn't really doing what I wanted it to do, and I had most of the cards that were worth something. It would have been little effort to pick up the cheap rares and commons -- I had just cracked something like 28 Khans of Tarkir packs at the time, and had plenty of commons and most of the rares from that set needed for this deck.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, I started making my usual secret trade for bad cards thing I do prior to an event, while showing off my ideas for post-rotation <a href="http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/minotrolls/" target="_blank">Minotaurs</a> in order to throw off potential snipers and other information gatherers. <i>As an aside, I seriously hate that when asking/trading for cards over facebook -- almost instantly one's super sekret awesome deck plan is found out and everyone prepares for it. That's why I do most of my random rare trading offline, to give the illusion of spontaneity.</i><br />
<br />
Long, terrible story short, I placed 5th at my FLGS, going 3-1-1 and scrubbing out in the quarter finals. Not bad, considering most times I play Standard Constructed, I usually go 1-3 and wonder why I even bother playing the format (and in fits of cold rage, Magic as a game) at all.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
The Deck</h2>
<div>
Holy crap this thing is hilarious, due to the fact that it's so goddamn fragile, yet if an opponent isn't ready, you can dunk them by turn 6 at the latest. Let's take a peek at a few of the card choices Takahashi Naoya took when putting this list together:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTrQXRFlxEM/VErcCx5E28I/AAAAAAAAAM0/wVRaqLB9RPs/s1600/245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTrQXRFlxEM/VErcCx5E28I/AAAAAAAAAM0/wVRaqLB9RPs/s1600/245.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many sleeper hits for this deck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<a href="http://magiccards.info/ktk/en/245.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tomb of the Spirit Dragon</a> is a card I wouldn't normally bat an eyelid over, but after playing it at Game Day, I might actually throw one in my <a href="http://magiccards.info/c13/en/212.html" target="_blank">Sharuum</a> Commander Deck. Being able to gain an impressive 6 life a turn with two of these out, all open land due to convoking Ornithopter shenanigans makes for a hilarious turn of events against aggro. Also, the look on your opponent's face when you drop this turn one makes it worth it.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3Wg4jCr09M/VErdE_KZtAI/AAAAAAAAAM8/BiEVOtkToJY/s1600/36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3Wg4jCr09M/VErdE_KZtAI/AAAAAAAAAM8/BiEVOtkToJY/s1600/36.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's your's is mine, what's mine is also mine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<a href="http://magiccards.info/jou/en/36.html" target="_blank">Daring Thief</a> is just a great card when built properly around. With <a href="http://magiccards.info/bng/en/162.html" target="_blank">Springleaf Drum</a> and useless permanents such as Ensoul Artifacts and <a href="http://magiccards.info/ktk/en/55.html" target="_blank">Singing Bell Strike</a>s that are already enchanting stuff, you can use those $15 <a href="http://magiccards.info/bng/en/119.html" target="_blank">Courser of Kruphix</a>s that you traded away after the <i>Born of the Gods</i> Prerelease! On top of that, they don't even have to be yours! Or trade that Ornithopter with their <strike>piece of absurdist bullshit</strike> <a href="http://magiccards.info/ktk/en/200.html" target="_blank">Siege Rhino</a>! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQYUKXmPFh8/VEre1KzYsgI/AAAAAAAAANI/XutRbtFawUE/s1600/225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQYUKXmPFh8/VEre1KzYsgI/AAAAAAAAANI/XutRbtFawUE/s1600/225.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Die in a fire, activated abilities.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_ytfBcLRsM/VEre0-Qv47I/AAAAAAAAANE/zgP0OWXwhRE/s1600/229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_ytfBcLRsM/VEre0-Qv47I/AAAAAAAAANE/zgP0OWXwhRE/s1600/229.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chump blocking. That's cute.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div>
When faced with the hated <a href="http://magiccards.info/mbp/en/77.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sylvan Caryatid</a> or the annoying <a href="http://magiccards.info/m15/en/177.html" target="_blank">Hornet Nest</a>, you must be able to get around it, and shut it down. Also, locking down their creature that has Singing Bell Strike enchanted to it is great. General <a href="http://magiccards.info/ktk/en/119.html" target="_blank">planeswalker</a> neutralization is good too.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mA2gvIv0TYs/VErgPXPqACI/AAAAAAAAANU/D5V-Q9I0i6Y/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mA2gvIv0TYs/VErgPXPqACI/AAAAAAAAANU/D5V-Q9I0i6Y/s1600/24.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TeeHee<b style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: left;">™</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
Not only did I almost single-handedly demolish a dude with my Bident in a game, but being able to draw free cards off my weenies is great. Having them swing with their (bad) blockers is even better.<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Observations</h2>
<div>
Upon playing the deck for a time, I did discover some interesting things about it as well as the format:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>With only 20 land, including 12 islands, the potential for mana screw is rather high. I recall one particluar game against Abzan where I had to literally run off of a Tomb of the Spirit Dragon, a Darksteel Citadel, and Ornithopters/Springleaf Drums in order to cast my colored permanents, most of them promptly removed by the Abzan player. That leaves me to my next point:</li>
<li>I'm about 90% sure that this deck loses straight up against spot removal.dec. In games against Abzan, Mardu and Jeskai, the player with the removal would merely burn/remove the offending artifact <strike>creature</strike> as I attempt to cast Ensoul Artifact upon them. In Abzan and Mardu's case, having access to <a href="http://magiccards.info/ktk/en/210.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Utter End</a> (and to an extent, <a href="http://magiccards.info/ktk/en/171.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crackling Doom</a>) makes things like getting rid of Doom Engines much easier. Jeskai has access to blue, which can start counter-wars or other blue shenanigans. Abzan has its <a href="http://magiccards.info/ktk/en/161.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">charm</a>, which, much like its Rhino, is the "I win" button against your win conditions. <a href="http://magiccards.info/ktk/en/8.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">End Hostilities</a> also throws huge wrenches into your plans.</li>
<li>If you can't match the speed of the <a href="http://magiccards.info/mbp/en/98.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rabblemaster</a>, don't even bother. I can understand why he's so sought after in Standard nowadays. If he isn't dealt with (or summarily countered), he will rekt you, since it's likely the Rabblemaster player is clearing the way with <a href="http://magiccards.info/m15/en/164.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">removal</a> <a href="http://magiccards.info/ths/en/90.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">galore</a>.</li>
<li>I feel like I need practice with sample hands and mulliganing. There are many times where I feel that I have a good hand that works fine only to be blown out by a single <a href="http://magiccards.info/ths/en/107.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thoughtseize</a>. Of course, there were times where I didn't know what lands looked like, and other times where I drew 10/12 Islands in the deck.</li>
<li><a href="http://magiccards.info/ktk/en/36.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dig Through Time</a> is a great card that I almost want to throw a copy into the deck for more "send help" options. Either that, or <a href="http://magiccards.info/ktk/en/59.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Treasure Cruise</a>, because that's also a pretty good card, and it's not like I have ways to return cards from my graveyard back to the field in this format.</li>
<li><a href="http://magiccards.info/ktk/en/31.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wingmate Roc</a> is a <strike>dirty</strike> totally balanced and fair card. That second ability is fantastic, by the way.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Some Final Thoughts</h2>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YuHBHxtdJJ4/VEri9tnk8YI/AAAAAAAAANg/ypIq0nCUHw4/s1600/ibmGPgmss5EBJQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YuHBHxtdJJ4/VEri9tnk8YI/AAAAAAAAANg/ypIq0nCUHw4/s1600/ibmGPgmss5EBJQ.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artist's rendition of the Author <i>2-1</i>ing people left and right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Everything about this deck screams potential value at high risk, and that's what makes it fun. Much like my Minotrolls deck during RTR-THS standard, or even prior to that, the famed StuffyDoll<b style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">™ </b>deck from ISD-RTR standard, I go for wacky, silly things that amuse me, although in this case I did netdeck this. I hate netdecking, so I felt particularly dirty playing it. But whatever.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, as with most great plans, I may scrap it due to the ever changing meta. Who knows? Maybe I'll throw in some <a href="http://magiccards.info/ktk/en/34.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clever Impersonator</a>s and <a href="http://magiccards.info/ktk/en/56.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stubborn Denial</a>s in the board to help me out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-86863295867281391652014-09-15T16:55:00.002-10:002014-09-15T22:56:49.482-10:00Dr. Strangecon or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Worked HawaiiCon<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6oJXV4IqSr0/VBeVfd3YypI/AAAAAAAAAMA/nOBJl0qBPQs/s1600/10506831_553454664765584_2659410394540132101_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6oJXV4IqSr0/VBeVfd3YypI/AAAAAAAAAMA/nOBJl0qBPQs/s1600/10506831_553454664765584_2659410394540132101_o.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I still have no idea what just happened.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For some people, <a href="http://www.hawaiicon.com/" target="_blank">HawaiiCon</a> 2014 was a resounding success. As the first convention ever to be based upon the soils of the Big Island of Hawaii, I can't deny the fact that this is pretty damn awesome. That being said, my penchant for needing to comment on things that bother me is flaring up again after this past weekend, and I guess I want to voice my concerns out to anyone who cares to listen. As a member of the team that was given the "opportunity" to set up the "gaming" room at the Con, and with my experience staffing at <a href="http://www.kawaiikon.com/" target="_blank">Hawaii's Premiere Anime Convention</a>, I have a limited, but informed view on the nature of a convention.<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Here be Ranting</h2>
<br />
As a person who's worked on, with, at, near, and all other adverbs describing actions involving gaming tournaments (notably <i>Magic: The Gathering</i>) for as long as I have, I tend to see what works and what doesn't. For example, our team works hard to run seasonal prereleases that draw in at least a hundred people, some times two hundred people over a weekend. The following:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.hawaiicon.com/gaming/" target="_blank">Having a link to an excel sheet schedule instead of integrating the schedule onto the website.</a></li>
<li>Putting the events in a room different from the room described in the program and on the map. </li>
<li>Not having a correction in your program about said room venue change.</li>
<li>Having the room venue not be anywhere near the rest of the rooms of the Con.</li>
<li>Provide basic power (yeah, half the power outlets were dead) and internet to the given room without needing to ask the custodial staff. (I didn't realize this was a thing at a supposed 4+ star hotel. I've seen better from 3 star hotels.) </li>
<li>Doing all of the above one week before the Con weekend. (to my understanding) </li>
</ul>
all led me to the number one statement given to me and my companions at HawaiiCon:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Oh, you guys run the gaming room! Great, I was looking forward to playing some games. So, where is that, by the way?" </i></div>
<br />
Cue righteous fury. We expect some sort of proper advertising (or if you guys won't do it in a timely manner; let us know. <i>We'll</i> do it.)<br />
<br />
So, we spent our weekend in a mostly empty room on Friday until the Hotel staff finally got around to putting up some sort of signage, as we weren't able to. I'm sure if the vendor's were dicked over in a similar manner, they'd probably pack up and leave at this point. We even considered it multiple times over the course of the con. You must understand our irritation -- we throw in a ton of money in order to prepare product for tournaments and other things regularly seen at conventions. We take time out of our schedules to share our love for our respective games with the greater public, and provide a service to those gamers coming in from other areas. When the potential gamers/customers have no idea where they can go to play games/buy gaming supplies, we get stuck with a ton of useless product and a nice fat pile of expenses that we now have to eat, and the players were unable to have the fun they could have had if they had <i>just known where to go</i>. I'm sure the vendors would be furious if they were relegated to some deserted corridor of the hotel with zero signage and incorrect directions to their room instead of the primo spot next to the Main Events hall and the Registration table. Oh yeah, and we had to leave the room by 8PM in order to accommodate a dance party.<br />
<br />
Why wasn't the dance party over at the main ballroom? A big event like that should be in the big room, or over in the central Con area.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Whatever. Mindless rant over.</h4>
<br />
Saturday and Sunday were a little better, a group of my usual players from the local FLGS dropped by and I was able to run a Conspiracy Draft queue. We were even able to get a constructed event off the ground, and was happy to meet and make new friends (once they were able to find the bloody room) all throughout the weekend. I'd like to think my actions got a few groups of friends to go out and purchase copies of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coup-Card-Game-Resistance-Universe/dp/B00GDI4HX4" target="_blank">Coup</a>, so as to lie, cheat, and steal even after HawaiiCon got out.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Just kidding, I have some more stuff to rant about. </h4>
Some other things that <strike>mildly annoyed</strike> really pissed me off:<br />
<ul>
<li>Con
Security was all but nonexistent. I'm almost certain that with a minimal
application of charisma, I could have gone to Hapuna Prince, parked,
and participated in all of the desired convention events without so much
as a single person checking for a badge. I prefer KawaiiKon's method of
having a member of security checking badges at each door of each of the
rooms used at the convention.</li>
<li>In relation to the above, I feel like the volunteers should be relegated to a department with respective jobs and those jobs be noted on their staff badge. This makes sure I won't waste a tech's time when I'm looking for this room or that room. This also allows me to file a complaint with whoever's in charge of the idiot who couldn't answer any questions yet was able to sit at the main registration desk blithely. There were multiple people who did that over the course of the weekend (rumored), and had they been at my events, they'd have been chewed out/shamed into not working under me again.</li>
<li>You have to be kidding me that
you're going to charge $25+ for a single autograph. I only want to get
my staff badge signed, not fund your next god damn trip. :getout:</li>
<li>Much like Beats by Dre, the badge lanyards were very nice to look at (big old HawaiiCon logos and other fancy stuff on it), but were so flimsy that the slightest accidental hang up and SNAP -- your badge is on the ground and the lanyard is now worthless. The response from a passerby? "Well, if you had bought a ticket..." <span style="color: lime;">>implying implications</span> As if buying a 3day pass was going to magically improve the state of these flimsy lanyards. Perhaps if the money didn't go into a metric ton of high costing guests, you'd have some money on some decent lanyards.</li>
<li>For the amount of money people are shelling out for this Con, you'd think the Hapuna Prince would throw in complimentary internet service. Hint, hint. (<strike>somethingsomethingfourplusstarhotelsomethingsomething)</strike></li>
<li>Randomly turning off the AC and re-purposing rooms during scheduled events is a surefire way to give me a headache and lower my impression of the hotel. I'm looking at you, Hapuna Prince. (rumored, I can't say I personally experienced it)</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Further Thoughts on Stuff</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I feel like the organizers thought that "Con" meant "Conference" rather than "Convention", and here's some reasons mixed in with other stuff that came to mind as I'm writing this stuff all down:</div>
<ul>
<li>The few panels I went to (when they weren't being reprogrammed, moved, or otherwise fucked with) were fantastic, the content matter was interesting and interactive.</li>
<li>The guests were top notch (and I think most of their budget went there, honestly). Special thanks go out to Esme Bianco, she found a new fan in me due to her bro-like nature.</li>
<li>The venue is gorgeous. Seriously, just go out there and see the sights. Just don't deal with the hotel, the upper management is probably braindead.</li>
<li>In relation to the previous point, the service personnel were great people and I have to thank them for doing everything in their power to allow us to salvage the weekend. From getting power to the room to adjusting the lights and air conditioning, I have them to thank in our attempt to create a positive gaming ambiance within the Con.</li>
</ul>
All these things gave the event the feeling of an academic conference, rather than an enthusiast's convention. <br />
<br />
Granted, these points weigh very highly against the multiple pages of drivel I just vomited on things that irritate me this past weekend. That's why I can't say I <u>hated</u> my personal experience there. Professionally, I won't be doing any sort of work for HawaiiCon until they shape up and actually cater to the people they want to have hosting events for them. <i>Believe me, I have no confidence in the alternative.</i> <br />
<br />
Personally, the con was about as enjoyable as any other weekend getaway, and I had more fun in the off time away from the con. I think my friend R1nzler put it best in his own review, poasted on faecbook, and repoasted here in picture form. Context -- he was a Kickstarter backer and got to do way more stuff that lowly me did not get to:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5M6RQSLDZpU/VBekEZU9CzI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/NKSIX2WCf40/s1600/yup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5M6RQSLDZpU/VBekEZU9CzI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/NKSIX2WCf40/s1600/yup.png" height="320" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go view it using your browser, I'm saving space.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As always, I'm welcome to clearing up misunderstandings or addressing issues that are wrong, or need clarification. I think myself reasonable, a simple explanation or actions moving in the right direction for next year go a long way with me. Oh, did you hear? They're doing 4 days next year. Four days. And apparently they're going to try to get the cast of Dr. Who in for next year, if the giant Tardis with "2015" painted on it is any indication of what's going on. Talk about ambitious...<br />
<br />
Until next time, may your fury be righteous, your rants relevant, and your organization top-notch.teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-79702310594266388952014-08-22T12:57:00.001-10:002014-08-22T12:58:08.566-10:00The Great Hurricane Iselle Adventure<i><span style="color: red;">While life has become much better since the events of the recent <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Iselle_(2014)" target="_blank">Hurricane Iselle</a> some two weeks ago, last week I wanted to put up a blogpoast talking about my experiences regarding the matter. As I am as of this writing still internetless since the Great Hurricane of August 8th, it is only now that I have been able to find a computer terminal with internet that can put together a poast of this magnitude. So, with minimal edits and commentary (all in red), I can finally present to you the Great Hurricane Iselle Adventure. ~teh_chris, Aug 22</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">-</span></div>
<br />
<br />
So, it's been a while here at Traditionally Virtual, and I bet you're all just chomping at the bit to read more <strike>dreck</strike> quality poastings. With this knowledge firmly in hand, I have decided to descend from upon my mountain of silence to give to you, my readers, what you've all been waiting for. A poast.<br />
<br />
As those who have been following the past week of US news already know, the Big Island of Hawaii had been hit with a category 1 hurricane, known by its name "Iselle". Being that I actually live in the affected region, and because I'm waiting for Hawaiian Telcom to grant me the privilege of using it's fabled <strike>fantastic</strike> telecommunications service #alwayson, I've decided on writing about my limited experiences here in the Puna district within Hawaii County, State of Hawaii during the Great Hurricane 2014. For those who are looking for a personal record of the power of nature alongside the coming together of a community in need, you may want to just look on Facebook or walk over to the Pahoa Fire Station. For those looking for a humorous yet mostly true account of a real event, full of snark, irritation, and other First World Problems, <strike>read</strike> look no further.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--FS1bZhz_aM/U_e-r2AK2cI/AAAAAAAAAKc/Zojv_xsqCkY/s1600/welp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--FS1bZhz_aM/U_e-r2AK2cI/AAAAAAAAAKc/Zojv_xsqCkY/s1600/welp.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks, HawaiianTel!~</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Without further ado: a short, day by day account.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Wednesday</h4>
The Wednesday before the hurricane, I go out and help with the gathering of supplies -- water, paper towels, paper plates. I even took the opportunity to renew my IDs at the public safety building, since they were on the verge of expiration. All of the things purchased were at normal amounts, and not like those crazy people I see on facebook with a veritable truckloads of bottled water being assholes and hoarding that shit. Just restocking our normal supply, since we were expecting some wind, but nothing too bad. I go about my day, downplaying the hurricane with friends and family, as I know the past couple either missed us, or did so little by the time it hit that I couldn't be bothered about it.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Thursday</h4>
The day was festive. <a href="http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BQamfuJCcAAY8BQ.jpg:large" target="_blank">Downplaying the seriousness with clanmates and other friends on teamspeak</a>, I even went so far as to change my name to "teh_chris [>implying hurricane]" on Steam. I played games as usual and I got to taste the last bit of internet before the storm came on time at around 6p. Heralded with a couple of power losses over the next couple of hours, the power struggled to stay on until it finally went out and stayed out at 8:30p. We stayed up for a short while, listening to the howling of the wind as it smacked down tons of brittle albezia trees, which would continue well into the night. With the reasonable knowledge that the power should be up by morning (so we thought), I decide on calling it a night, and my family and I all hit the bed by around 9pm or slightly thereafter.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpCj18XZbIM/U_fCCyi6LAI/AAAAAAAAALE/mNq4hayL7vY/s1600/day1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpCj18XZbIM/U_fCCyi6LAI/AAAAAAAAALE/mNq4hayL7vY/s1600/day1.png" height="172" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday statuses after the storm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sU6jDCwhDZA/U_fFMYMXrqI/AAAAAAAAALw/IGPrYhlqB9o/s1600/night1_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sU6jDCwhDZA/U_fFMYMXrqI/AAAAAAAAALw/IGPrYhlqB9o/s1600/night1_1.png" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Friday</h4>
Friday was the worst. Before the batteries on all my electrical devices died, I was able to get this short faecbook status out. We also got a phone call from my grandmother, which I found amazing, due to all the damage the storm caused. We haven't had a call since. Dozens of destroyed power poles, and ruined telephone wires meant that it felt like repairs would be weeks away. By the time nightfall came, we were wondering about the state of the food in the refrigerator. This "oh shit" sentiment would continue until the power returned the next day. The cool thing about it was I got to see my family do stuff I never thought we'd ever do again. Play board games, for instance. I haven't played a board game with my family for probably 5 years or so. It was <i>weird</i>. But we came together, and had a blast.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n2kF5nZnKpo/U_fC5-aum3I/AAAAAAAAALM/wWCJS_WYB80/s1600/day2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n2kF5nZnKpo/U_fC5-aum3I/AAAAAAAAALM/wWCJS_WYB80/s1600/day2.png" height="98" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday's statuses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lL3SsNjpDgk/U_fC52z2D4I/AAAAAAAAALQ/rIb2y8e0NVs/s1600/day2_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lL3SsNjpDgk/U_fC52z2D4I/AAAAAAAAALQ/rIb2y8e0NVs/s1600/day2_2.png" height="99" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Saturday</h4>
<div>
The day of the Primary Election was one of general sadness. Due to the massage damage all around the area, I was still unable to leave my house and therefore unable to exercise my right to vote at that time. My family went to survey the neighborhood, leaving me to watch the property. At around 3, the power returned, which brought general feelings of gratitude and calm to the house.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN5v6fhJdqI/U_e-lRkzeTI/AAAAAAAAAKU/Z-_Tu5ShgFo/s1600/desperation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN5v6fhJdqI/U_e-lRkzeTI/AAAAAAAAAKU/Z-_Tu5ShgFo/s1600/desperation.png" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that is Dynasty Warriors 4 on the PC. You jealous?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9r1-jfZHdcw/U_fFBWBgXCI/AAAAAAAAALk/_aRKMQjseqY/s1600/much%2Bcell%2Bmany%2Bphone.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9r1-jfZHdcw/U_fFBWBgXCI/AAAAAAAAALk/_aRKMQjseqY/s1600/much%2Bcell%2Bmany%2Bphone.png" height="97" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank god for cell phone towers, right?<br />
<h4 style="font-size: medium;">
Sunday and Beyond</h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With having power but no internet, I was forced to return to a pre-internet world, in which I regress to my adolescent days of not having internet. What better way of doing this than to play my number <strike>one</strike> three favorite PS2 game of all time, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynasty_Warriors_4" target="_blank">Dynasty Warriors 4</a>? Thankfully, a port for the PC was developed, and I put my copy to good use, since I can't go on the internet and hang out with people. I have since also been able to watch anime again, and have but a considerable dent in my backlog, knocking out entire shows in one day. I also found my old Command and Conquer Zero Hour CDs and have moved to the church of GLA Stealth, a faction whose feel is much like piloting a tier 1 deck in Modern -- stupid and almost un-fun. For a couple of days I lost cell phone service, and I almost went crazy when I couldn't even check my faecbook. It taught me a lot about how connected we are and just how much we rely on technology.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Reflection</h4>
I've thought about it for some time (like, fifteen minutes), and I put together a tentative pros/cons of my experience:<br />
<br />
<i>Pros</i>:<br />
-Family came together for like two days. Seriously. That's huge for a family like mine.<br />
-It pays to have friends, who knows where they'd be years down the road.<br />
-Made me much more aware of how much we rely on electricity.<br />
-I got to sleep at much earlier times than I normally do. And I'm going to try to keep it that way, because it's Healthier<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">™</span>.<br />
-I didn't have to eat nasty-ass cold cuts. (No really, I'm sick of Cotto Salami and Velveeta. It's all my family eats nowadays.)<br />
-In the grand scheme of things, this wasn't nearly as bad as the experience of living in really bad areas (looking at you, Middle East, and you too, West Africa).<br />
-I was able to knock out a few anime on my backlog that I've been dragging my feet over. More on that in a later blogpost.<br />
-I got to write something because I felt like venting.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Cons</i>:<br />
-My dad's arowana died. I sort of liked that fish, and I'm very sad it's dead.<br />
-<a href="http://worldoftanks.com/en/news/pc-browser/22/august-2014-missions/" target="_blank">Good bye, DickerMax</a>.<br />
-I have been proven yet again just how bad HawaiianTel's service really is. HELCO got their shit together in like a day, and explained themselves. What's your excuse?<br />
-Thanks <strike>to the</strike> hurricane,<strike> I got screwed out of not just voting in the primary election, but also working at the polls - an activity I enjoy. No Scott Nago, your first plan to send everyone an absentee ballot was smarter -- this new plan basically screws me out of voting, never mind working.</strike> Thanks. Luckily, everything should be back to normal for the General Election. <span style="color: red;">Actually, I was able to vote in the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/articles/residents-vote-in-hawaiis-post-iselle-makeup-election-1408149828" target="_blank">makeup election</a> that happened a week later. Due to me being unable to contact the Election's Office, I still wasn't able to work at the polls. Whatever. It's the small victories, right? I'll be back for the General.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
-I realize just how badly I utilize my time. For example, here's what I've done in the past week:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQLLjXJ697M/U_e--Z_7XvI/AAAAAAAAAKk/DBHskInbUyQ/s1600/what%2Bthe%2Bamine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQLLjXJ697M/U_e--Z_7XvI/AAAAAAAAAKk/DBHskInbUyQ/s1600/what%2Bthe%2Bamine.png" height="195" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taiga is like the best anime tracking program ever.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uhG81Cmfo1c/U_fBKz4cFpI/AAAAAAAAAK4/qVkIs80clyo/s1600/yuanzheng.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uhG81Cmfo1c/U_fBKz4cFpI/AAAAAAAAAK4/qVkIs80clyo/s1600/yuanzheng.png" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yuan Zheng undertakes the Great Chinese Crusade of 203.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o98i08tfOM0/U_fBESChysI/AAAAAAAAAKw/cMcxFHA2p-0/s1600/none%2Bcheesier.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o98i08tfOM0/U_fBESChysI/AAAAAAAAAKw/cMcxFHA2p-0/s1600/none%2Bcheesier.png" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funny thing is, I was playing as USA Lazer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm mean, god damn. I can't wait for the fall semester to start up again, because I feel like I'm wasting everyone's time - including my own.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">Looking Ahead</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="color: red;">Don't get me wrong, there are still communities to this day that are still without power, internet, even basic running water due to their inaccessibility to the main power grid. I applaud the efforts of HELCO to return everyone back to the grid. I also want to throw a shout-out to the folks from the other islands that sent repair crews to help our guys. Big mahalos there. Also shout-out to County Councilman <a href="http://voteilagan.com/" target="_blank">Greg Ilagan</a>, a guy I've known for about as long as our families have been friends here -- his hosted free breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a week after the storm hit, all out of his humble home within Paradise Park for anyone who could make it there.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: red;">My own experience was very light compared to some of the other people living in Paradise Park and the greater Puna area. I know of friends who have literally received power yesterday. I also know of friends who weren't affected at all (lucky bastards). There are still some who need ice for their food and medicines, and others who need water. This is only one story in the Iselle experience, and I wanted to share it for those interested.</span></div>
teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-37877527408377055522014-05-09T14:11:00.002-10:002014-05-09T14:12:55.184-10:00Pappy's Home<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7AtptIgXk0/U21rHU_H0jI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/9KxqZVSgw7w/s1600/blooging.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7AtptIgXk0/U21rHU_H0jI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/9KxqZVSgw7w/s1600/blooging.png" height="206" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's good to be "back".</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Happy <strike>belated </strike>New Years, from Traditionally Virtual to what's left of you, the readers.<br />
<br />
So, for the record, it's not like I <i>left</i> you. It's more like I <i>neglected</i> you. <br />
<br />
You see, I had planned on there being more blogposts involving top ten lists, album reviews, <strike>complaints</strike> spirited discussion about gaming (both traditional and virtual), and a host of other interesting and insightful content that I felt had the potential to not only be interesting, but be entertaining. Instead, real life reared its ugly head, and this blogproject fell to the wayside. <i>Hard.</i> There were points where I had forgotten this had existed. And suddenly I realized it was May of 2014, on a relatively sunny, breezy day and I had the sudden desire to blog again.<br />
<br />
As for my absence, I have nothing more to say but <i>sorry.</i> <br />
<br />
With all that said, I've come into a patch of relatively free time, and I plan on using it to the fullest. I have <strike>big</strike> plans for the blog, and I'm going to be writing up a review on an album given to me for review. I'm pretty excited as it's an opportunity to train my ears critically as well as write in a genre that I'm not very good at. It's a band a friend of mine is in, and so this is an opportunity to plug the talent that I'm honored to know.<br />
<br />
~<br />
<br />
So, it's been a couple of years since the last post, and while a lot has happened, a lot more is on it's way. Hopefully I'll be able to share more experiences with you all.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.blabbermouth.net.s3.amazonaws.com/media/sabatonheroesalternatecd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.blabbermouth.net.s3.amazonaws.com/media/sabatonheroesalternatecd.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took so long for me to blog, Sabaton put out a new album.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh, and a new Sabaton album is out. That's right, during the time I was away, a new Sabaton album had been researched, recorded, produced, and released in the time between this and the last post.teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-11244408872250781982013-01-05T04:11:00.002-10:002013-01-05T04:15:38.074-10:00The Year is Dead, Long Live the Year!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Happy New Year!</u></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufLuEH_HAPc/UOgR5u-VZBI/AAAAAAAAAHc/5ZiDaOBu2pU/s1600/For-the-new-year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufLuEH_HAPc/UOgR5u-VZBI/AAAAAAAAAHc/5ZiDaOBu2pU/s400/For-the-new-year.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, we didn't die this year. Rejoice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My goodness, it's another year. From multiple reports of the end of the world being nigh, to the controversial presidential election, to me being unable to do anything with online video games except for World of Tanks and Dota 2, I'll go ahead and say it was a good year, albeit rough. A new year brings a new set of resolutions that will most likely be broken before January is over. In an attempt to abide by my "do more blagspot blagging and not that tumboor/faecbook trash", as well as attempt to do a <a href="http://dekurizugemu.blogspot.com/2012/01/tehchris-best-of-2011-post.html" target="_blank">better job than last year</a>, here is "Best of 2012" blagpost. Enjoy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
Best of 2012 - Gaming</h2>
<h3>
[haha noep]</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As I said earlier, this year was rather rough for me regarding video gaming. Hell, I couldn't even sit through this year's Call of Duty, and I always find time to play that piece of garbage. I'll most definitely try to finish it, so I can ramble about it in a future blagpost. World of Tanks continues to enthrall me, and while I've been tempted to throw down cash for some gold/premium tanks, I still have yet to do some. Yay for FTP games, I guess.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As far as Traditional Games go, Magic The Gathering's Return to Ravnica block was a return to the "fun" in what I felt was becoming a very stale Standard environment. Now, all we need is Thragtusk to go away, and I might start playing Standard again. Maybe. On the board game front, I bought Munchkin, which is awesome, as well as some other board games. Talisman caught my eye, and is an amazing addition to anyone's collection of board games.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Best of 2012 - Music</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bEHKKYz2NtA/UOgbzj1ODLI/AAAAAAAAAHs/jcZKFK8IYiQ/s1600/piece.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bEHKKYz2NtA/UOgbzj1ODLI/AAAAAAAAAHs/jcZKFK8IYiQ/s200/piece.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection from my notes.txt file that I do all this in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A challenge that I personally undertook this year was to actually list albums that I listened to that were released this year. This (I hoped) was to assist in my "Best of Year X" posts that I now do. Without further ado, here is my top 5 for music for 2012. All of these albums are 5/5 stars for me, and are honestly ranked by my personal preference. I would recommend any and all of them to anyone willing to try them out. The link in the header is a link to the entire album in YouTube, while the links at the end of each section are selections from the album, also in YouTube.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
5. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_9sVbrqE0o" target="_blank">Paradise Lost - Tragic Idol</a></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsMQ5BgyAew/UOgcYtDeHRI/AAAAAAAAAH0/563jUpWAU4M/s1600/front.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsMQ5BgyAew/UOgcYtDeHRI/AAAAAAAAAH0/563jUpWAU4M/s320/front.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Badass album art? Check.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Paradise Lost's thirteenth release, released in April, showed that after thirteen albums, the British doom group still has the ability to make an album that is enjoyable. Excellent solos, great lyrics and vocals. An all around great album. <i>Highlights: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5CUqLwPl1Q" target="_blank">Crucify</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfMHS7W9GvY" target="_blank">In This We Dwell</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03WoO5WpckE" target="_blank">Tragic Idol</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFsxnYzJiIw" target="_blank">Worth Fighting For</a></i></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i>4. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLToXWne2Bk-cBrwylfJ7AX1X-kx7DM2Gf" target="_blank">Antimatter - Fear of A Unique Identity</a></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1aDtahf2Qw/UOgiBcCWeZI/AAAAAAAAAIE/d9mwGpOEojw/s1600/cover_88716102012_r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1aDtahf2Qw/UOgiBcCWeZI/AAAAAAAAAIE/d9mwGpOEojw/s1600/cover_88716102012_r.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embracing a lie/Got stuck on rewind/Requiem in constant replay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We continue our tour of the UK with Antimatter's fifth debut album, released in November. Singer/songwriter Mick Moss describes the album as <a href="http://tikwid.com/news/music/questions-and-answers-with-antimatter/" target="_blank">"a concept album that explores the mimics in society that would rather blend in with the masses rather than stand as a unique entity for fear of being singled out. This becomes a problem if the masses themselves are actually on the wrong path spiritually and ideologically."</a> Personally, I haven't enjoyed an Antimatter album since <i>Planetary Confinement</i>, and this had the same ambiance about it, just.... <b>darker</b>. And that's why this makes my top five. <i>Highlights: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELJcCGAqSms&list=SPToXWne2Bk-cBrwylfJ7AX1X-kx7DM2Gf&index=3" target="_blank">Fear of A Unique Identity</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKZsjGFiygc" target="_blank">Here Come the Men</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruus3hG0bQ0" target="_blank">Uniformed & Black</a></i><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
3. <i> </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnY4Yc1ROQk" target="_blank">Syven - Corpus Christi</a></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-6MP-z4Lxk/UOgl86WplWI/AAAAAAAAAIU/Rq-eCRfYAKQ/s1600/Syven_-_Corpus_Christi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-6MP-z4Lxk/UOgl86WplWI/AAAAAAAAAIU/Rq-eCRfYAKQ/s320/Syven_-_Corpus_Christi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">36:26. In one track. Wish it was longer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My love for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kantele" target="_blank">kantele </a>brings me to the newest release by the Finnish duo Syven. Inspired by an old English carol, Syven creates a symphony of sorts, blending their unique shamanistic music with what they felt was a proper interpretation of Medieval-era choral music. Personally, I think it's genius. The piece is loosely broken up into four movements, one of them being the actual <i>Corpus Christi</i> carol. The song also comes with a sweet video which is meant to be viewed as you listen to the track (this is included in the YouTube link listed above). <i>Highlight: Movement II - Corpus Christi (6:50 -13:20)</i></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
2. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sTQ2_vfaak" target="_blank">Sabaton - Carolus Rex</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMvFPp8dncU" target="_blank">(SWE)</a></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgKevCVEQWw/UOgqAHZ5NcI/AAAAAAAAAIk/L7qfxSkiaLw/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgKevCVEQWw/UOgqAHZ5NcI/AAAAAAAAAIk/L7qfxSkiaLw/s320/cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the skiiiies, see Carolus rise!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As is customary when dealing with unadulterated manliness like the 2012 Sabaton album, you need to understand something that made this release different from the others: they did the entire album in their native Swedish as well. And it's better than the English version. It's an excellent telling of the story of King Karl XII, better known as Carolus Rex. As such, I put both complete versions of selections above and below for you to listen/compare. <i>Highlights: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGiKWLx7uFQ" target="_blank">The Lion From the North</a> (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wSBIaeHJ6w" target="_blank">Lejonet från Norden</a>), <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvdbDw5bXnQ" target="_blank">A Lifetime of War</a> (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8jki4i4raQ" target="_blank">En Livstid I Krig</a>), <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZMY-YXLa38" target="_blank">Carolus Rex</a> (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab2cXTLpe2I" target="_blank">Carolus Rex</a>), <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeIPMnvrZs8" target="_blank">Poltava</a> (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km8u0bK5cLE" target="_blank">Poltava</a>) </i></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Album of the Year 2012: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRLZwRK5hPk" target="_blank">Woods of Ypres - Woods V: Grey Skies & Electric Light</a><i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRLZwRK5hPk" target="_blank"> </a></i></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15INT8bDdwA/UOgvBkJfviI/AAAAAAAAAI0/4zKljRahXtM/s1600/virselis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15INT8bDdwA/UOgvBkJfviI/AAAAAAAAAI0/4zKljRahXtM/s320/virselis.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the best swansongs I've ever heard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To be perfectly honest, I had a very difficult time choosing my Album of the Year. Even now, I'm still thinking about whether or not I made the correct decision in declaring Woods of Ypres' final album to be my AotY 2012. This album was -as most WoY albums are- full of emotions. Walls of emotions even. The band died when David Gold was killed in a tragic car accident in November of 2011, and the album was released in Feburary of 2012. As I would go through other albums, and even when <i>Carolus Rex</i> was released, I would find myself coming back to this album. Strange, yes. I guess this ability to draw one back to it is the tipping point that would put <i>Woods V</i> over <i>Carolus Rex</i> for Album of the Year. <i>Highlights: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQMvL-ZoZXU" target="_blank">Lighting & Snow</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3qFaLivv3w" target="_blank">Keeper of the Ledger</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8ieVfyEdZs" target="_blank">Travelling Alone</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_IHItcjNto" target="_blank">Silver</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1ut1XIOIgg" target="_blank">Career Suicide (Is Not Real Suicide)</a></i></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i>Honorable Mentions: </i></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Comus - Out of the Coma <br />
Kamelot - Silverthorn</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Arjen Anthony Lucassen - Lost in the New Real</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
What Next?</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next post will feature another Top Five list from 2012. A medium that I haven't really covered at all on this blag before, but I figure why not? So I will have a Top Five list covering what I feel to be the<i> Top 5 Anime from 2012</i>. Yes, I'm expanding my topic coverage because I'm awesome.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-41635671977797223292012-09-20T20:35:00.000-10:002012-09-20T20:35:14.317-10:00The International 2012 - Three Weeks Later<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cyborgmatt.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/international_invite_large1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.cyborgmatt.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/international_invite_large1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valve's Premier Tournament: The International</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The hype has finally died down. My heart has finally stopped beating after the splendor that was an event fully sponsored by Valve. Some three weeks ago, <a href="http://www.dota2.com/international/location/event/">The International Dota 2 Championships </a>were held in Seattle, Washington under the control of the fine folks over at Valve. The top sixteen Dota 2 teams in the esports community competed over a prize pool of over $1.6 million USD, as well as a chance to have their names engraved on the <a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9jnl3jt181rsbp3lo1_1280.jpg">Aegis of Champions</a> that served as the tournament's trophy. I won't say much, as whatever would have been said has already been said
by people more knowledgeable than myself at this particular artform. I
will do this, though: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ldq1afiKQb8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
This video posted above is probably some of the best Dota seen in years. I haven't seen plays this big since the first International, a year ago. It truly shows the level of skill needed to play at the very height of the scene. Without further ado: The Play. Seen over a hundred thousand times by loyal fans, this just proves that this game (not even out of beta, mind you) has the potential to become huge. Just huge. Even now, as I finish this blog post, I'm thinking about what hero I'm going to play as I enter the matchmaking queue.<br />teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-84706138317620596672012-06-27T09:50:00.000-10:002012-06-27T09:50:15.351-10:00Meet the Troll<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teamfortress.com/images/posts/mtp_blog_watch_now_x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://www.teamfortress.com/images/posts/mtp_blog_watch_now_x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's finally here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Meet the Pyro is released. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUhOnX8qt3I">Go watch it.</a><br />
<br />
Day three of the Pyromania update will be featured later today. Day two was a bunch of weapons, which doesn't really matter.<br />
<br />
An interesting thing that went along with MTP's release was the announcement of the Source Filmmaker beta, which can be signed up for starting today. <a href="http://www.sourcefilmmaker.com/">The Source Filmmaker</a> is what VALVe uses to create all their "Meet The" shorts.teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-67608502929076234392012-06-25T11:39:00.002-10:002012-06-25T11:42:09.224-10:00The Pyromania Update: Day 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teamfortress.com/pyromania/images/pyromania_title.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="84" src="http://www.teamfortress.com/pyromania/images/pyromania_title.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IT BEGINS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This morning, the TF2 team put out a <a href="http://www.teamfortress.com/post.php?id=8260">blog post</a> and a new sub site for what they call "the long-awaited final Meet the Team short, Meet the Pyro". Dropping in on Wednesday (which would coincide with that whole <a href="http://dekurizugemu.blogspot.com/2012/06/adult-swim-and-valve-partnership.html">Adult Swim business</a> that was announced a few days ago).<br />
<br />
The sub site has day one of the Pyromania update, detailing the story of Poopy Joe, the simian astronaut. Players were given an idea of the new game mode, "<a href="http://www.teamfortress.com/pyromania/doomsday/">Doomsday</a>", in which the teams are tasked with taking enough fuel to Poopy Joe's rocket to send him to space. "Both teams will attempt to get the necessary fuel up a preposterously
slow-moving elevator and into Poopy Joe’s Australium-powered rocket to
the stars," notes the description of the new game mode.<br />
<br />
More posts will be made as the update pages progress. For now, enjoy this promotional image of the Doomsday launch, straight from the Doomsday page linked above:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNMLFzjS-Qs/T-jaER1ArfI/AAAAAAAAAG8/wqH6A3XQR7s/s1600/DOOM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNMLFzjS-Qs/T-jaER1ArfI/AAAAAAAAAG8/wqH6A3XQR7s/s320/DOOM.png" width="301" /></a></div>
<br />teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-1425185019545169782012-06-22T11:41:00.000-10:002012-06-22T11:41:49.553-10:00Adult Swim and VALVe partnership?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pvrujNEfJDc/T-TjbPPJDNI/AAAAAAAAAGw/juxoGN-9rWs/s1600/huh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pvrujNEfJDc/T-TjbPPJDNI/AAAAAAAAAGw/juxoGN-9rWs/s320/huh.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screenshot from the AS/Valve Promo Website.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So I'm looking at my Faecbook wall this morning when I see some of my other friends' blogs posting something like <a href="http://comicandgames.blogspot.com/2012/06/adult-swim-and-valve-team-up.html">this</a>. Intrigued, I checked out the promo site <a href="http://www.adultswim.com/promos/valve/index.html">here</a>, and then signed up for the newsletter.<br />
<br />
I suspect it might be something either involving stupid amounts of hats, or (<i>gasp!) </i>a certain Meet The Team video might be released very, very soon.<br />
<br />
~~~~~<br />
<br />
In other news, I've been playing a ton of <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/570/">Dota 2</a> and <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/203770/">Crusader Kings 2</a>, and I fucking love both of those games. <br />
<br />
So yeah, that's my life story as of now. I'll try to put more posts in later.<br />
<br />
Also, Vinderptus is on Steam now. <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/212160/">Go check that shit out.</a>teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-2318140768741796622012-05-14T23:26:00.003-10:002012-05-14T23:27:37.178-10:00It's been a while, I know.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr2F_cbAuws/T7IgZ-wJjxI/AAAAAAAAAGg/Zbu7cAatRrA/s1600/tehchrisadfay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr2F_cbAuws/T7IgZ-wJjxI/AAAAAAAAAGg/Zbu7cAatRrA/s200/tehchrisadfay.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, it's been awhile. So what?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zvdbDw5bXnQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Summer is here, which means I have more time to discuss important issues that pertain to the content of this blog. Namely, the new music I've listened to from this year, as well as video game/card game experiences I've had over the past few months.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned to Traditionally Virtual as I whine about things that annoy me! Or, as I talk on and on about things I enjoy!<br />
<br />
For now, enjoy this new lyric video from Nuclear Blast featuring a song from Sabaton's new album: Carolus Rex, due some time this month.<br />
<br /></div>teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-43546140555164365492012-01-29T20:28:00.000-10:002012-01-29T20:28:24.483-10:00The "teh_chris Best of 2011" Post<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Happy New Year</b></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.consumeradvocatelegalupdate.com/uploads/image/happy-new-year1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.consumeradvocatelegalupdate.com/uploads/image/happy-new-year1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012, here we come.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>About a month late, I'd like to wish my readers (whoever they are) a Happy New Year. Hopefully, 2012 will be an excellent year for Traditionally Virtual, what with different things happening on the virtual and non-virtual gaming fronts, as well as in the music industry. For now, I'd like to briefly give my picks for Album of the Year 2011.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Album of the Year 2011</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">2011 was not bad, as far as new music releases. Here is my personal top 5 for 2011:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b><b> </b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://koti.mbnet.fi/atolonen/syven/images/coverAikaintaite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://koti.mbnet.fi/atolonen/syven/images/coverAikaintaite.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AOTY 2011: Syven - Aikaintaite</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
This five-track, dark ambient work was my Album of the Year for 2011. Released late in the year, Syven's Aikaintaite is an exploration into dark, heavy, and even primordial music, featuring the Finnish kantele, one of my favorite instruments of all time. An excellent album to throw in if you just want to relax and contemplate life's mysteries.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Erwgv_fqM_E/TpTUb3yodNI/AAAAAAAAO04/weCEaSbOUdM/s1600/puscifer+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Erwgv_fqM_E/TpTUb3yodNI/AAAAAAAAO04/weCEaSbOUdM/s200/puscifer+cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puscifer - Conditions of My Parole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The new Puscifer album, Conditions of My Parole, was what I thought would be my AOTY, instead dropped to the number 2 slot for the year. You can read my thoughts about this album <a href="http://dekurizugemu.blogspot.com/2011/11/conditions-of-my-parole-more-like.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://artsandentertainmentplayground.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/nightwish-imaginaerum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://artsandentertainmentplayground.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/nightwish-imaginaerum.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nightwish - Imaginaerum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Nightwish's Imaginaerum is supposed to be a supplement to their similarly titled film that tells the story of a conductor who's on his deathbed, remembering the good old days. The movie itself is supposed to premiere this year. We'll see how good it is when it does get released. As for the album, it's excellent. I'm starting to get used to Anette Olzon's voice since Dark Passion Play, and I hope the band continues with this as time goes on. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://myglobalmind.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Iced-Earth-Dystopia-Artwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://myglobalmind.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Iced-Earth-Dystopia-Artwork.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iced Earth - Dystopia</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After what I felt was an abject failure in "The Crucible of Man", Iced Earth managed to redeem themselves in their new album, Dystopia. Featuring Stu Block on vocals, this album has the fire that made Iced Earth great back during the "Dark Saga" days. I highly recommend "Anthem", it's an excellent track.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ae/Opeth-Heritage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ae/Opeth-Heritage.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opeth - Heritage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Rounding out this top five is Opeth's newest release, entitled Heritage. Featuring all clean vocals by Mikael Åkerfeldt, I enjoyed this album greatly. Go and listen to it to really understand what I mean.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
<tr></tr>
</tbody></table>Anyways, time to look forward, and see what 2012 has to offer us.</div></div>teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-71896438070125568832011-12-09T23:26:00.001-10:002011-12-09T23:27:40.532-10:00GSC Game World Closes Doors?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41jUqTRJ6V8/TuMkPg3DUwI/AAAAAAAAAFs/Y064771qjpk/s1600/236986-gsc_large.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41jUqTRJ6V8/TuMkPg3DUwI/AAAAAAAAAFs/Y064771qjpk/s200/236986-gsc_large.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead? Seriously?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A troubling bit of information hits me right as I begin finals week for my university classes. Apparently, Ukrainian based GSC Game World has been abruptly shut down today, and all of its employees have been let go.<br />
<br />
Sadly, this appears to be not rumor, but <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/joewillburn/status/145189538006966272">truth</a>, as posted by Joe Mullin, GSC's social media manager.<br />
<br />
GSC themselves have not commented on the issue, but <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/gscstalker/status/145424563898036224">will do so on Monday</a>, according to their own official twitter.<br />
<br />
When more information becomes available, it will be reported here for the readership to view on their own.teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-43324141623482987722011-11-24T09:51:00.000-10:002011-11-24T09:51:59.938-10:00Happy Thanksgiving! (Day 2 Steam Sales)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--39ExOfdtX0/Ts6cdDqYODI/AAAAAAAAAFk/bMzTGV_DcGI/s1600/ssd2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--39ExOfdtX0/Ts6cdDqYODI/AAAAAAAAAFk/bMzTGV_DcGI/s320/ssd2.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Thanksgiving!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
From all of me here at Traditionally Virtual, Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your flying <a href="http://www.thesalmons.org/lynn/turducken.html">turducken</a>, your <a href="http://bacontoday.com/turbaconducken-turducken-wrapped-in-bacon/">turbaconducken</a>, or even your <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAjhG09X9YA">turbaconepicentipede</a> on this fine day.<br />
<br />
Now, as I said <a href="http://dekurizugemu.blogspot.com/2011/11/steam-fall-sales-have-begun.html">yesterday</a>, the <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/">Steam Autumn Sale</a> has begun, and here's today's list of featured sales:<br />
<br />
<i>*Monkey Island Special Edition Bundle -66% ~$5.25</i><br />
<i>*Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 Platinum -66% ~$10.25</i><br />
<i>*Total War Mega Pack (Medieval II Gold, Rome Complete, Empire Complete, Napoleon Imperial w/DLC) -75% ~$12.50</i><br />
<i>*Fallout: New Vegas -75% ~$5</i><br />
<i>*Sniper: Ghost Warrior -80% ~$6</i><br />
<i>*Rift -75% ~$7.50</i><br />
<i>*VVVVVV -75% ~$1.25</i><br />
<i>*Zeno Clash -75% ~$3.75</i><br />
<i>*L.A. Noire Complete -50% ~$25</i><br />
And the 3 Franchise sales:<br />
<i>*Two Worlds II -66%</i> (If you're into that thing.)<br />
<i>*Operation Flashpoint -75%</i><br />
<i>-Dragon Rising ~$3.75</i><br />
<i>-Red River ~ $11.25</i><br />
<i>*Red Orchestra -50%</i><br />
<i>-Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45 ~$5</i><br />
<i>-Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad ~$20</i><br />
<br />
Happy Spending and Happy Thanksgiving!teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-63042399251331033452011-11-23T23:43:00.000-10:002011-11-23T23:43:50.370-10:00Steam Fall Sales Have Begun<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDp5J-AKZlY/Ts4O5yhU0VI/AAAAAAAAAFc/MQwigEshUag/s1600/scc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDp5J-AKZlY/Ts4O5yhU0VI/AAAAAAAAAFc/MQwigEshUag/s400/scc.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these dudes. Seriously. They're adorable.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
In the interest of always being ahead of everyone ever when it comes to holiday sales, the fine folks at VALVe have begun their "Autumn Sale" over at <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/">the usual place</a>. And as usual, they have a rotating list of major sales plastered on the top half of their splash page; this list rotates at around 8 AM GMT-10, and are the best deals for the day if you're looking for something cheap to pick up. On top of this, many publisher's catalogs are also hugely discounted for those looking for that special something from their favorite dev team or something.<br />
<br />
The current games on the featured list are (with the discount and price rounded up):<br />
<i>-Dejobaan Collection -50% ~$10</i><br />
<i>-Renegade Ops -50% ~$8</i><br />
<i>-Oddworld: The Oddboxx -75% ~$4</i><br />
<i>-Test Drive Unlimited 2 -75% ~$5</i><br />
<i>-Sam & Max Complete -75% ~$12.50</i><br />
<i>-Duke Nukem Forever -66% ~$7</i><br />
<i>-Risen -50% ~$15</i><br />
<i>-Orcs Must Die! -75% ~$4</i><br />
<i>-Portal 2 -66% ~$10.25</i><br />
<i>-Call of Duty: Black Ops -50% ~$30</i><br />
and the two franchise sales:<br />
<i>-Mass Effect -75%</i><br />
ME 1 and 2 for $5<br />
ME2 Digital Deluxe Edition for $7.50<br />
<i>-Men of War -75%</i><br />
Men of War ~$3.75<br />
Men of War: Assault Squad ~$8.75<br />
Men of War: Red Tide ~$6.25<br />
Men of War: Vietnam ~$8.75<br />
Men of War: Complete (Includes the above, also has various DLCs not listed) for ~$19<br />
<br />
Happy Spending!<br />
New posts featuring the new sales will be up as the lists are updated.teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-62839915804333453342011-11-23T23:25:00.000-10:002011-11-23T23:25:00.834-10:00The Many Forms of Metal I got a chuckle out of this, found <a href="http://www.metalstorm.net/forum/topic.php?topic_id=10190">here</a>. It relates the common genres of metal to your fairy tale story of the knight saving the princess from a dragon.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">*POWER METAL<br />
The protagonist arrives riding a white unicorn, escapes from the dragon, saves the princess and makes love to her in an enchanted forest.<br />
<br />
* THRASH METAL<br />
The protagonist arrives, fights the dragon, saves the princess and fucks her.<br />
<br />
* HEAVY METAL<br />
The protagonist arrives on a Harley, kills the dragon, drinks a few beers and fucks the princess.<br />
<br />
* FOLK METAL<br />
The protagonist arrives with some friends playing accordions, violins, flutes and many more weird instruments, the dragon falls asleep (because of all the dancing). Then all leave........ without the princess.<br />
<br />
* VIKING METAL<br />
The protagonist arrives in a ship, kills the dragon with his mighty axe, skins the dragon and eats it, rapes the princess to death, steals her belongings and burns the castle before leaving.<br />
<br />
* DEATH METAL<br />
The protagonist arrives, kills the dragon, fucks the princess and kills her, then leaves.<br />
<br />
* BLACK METAL<br />
The protagonist IS the dragon, dwells in the heart of the night with in a castle full of hellhounds and eternal flames. He kills the sassy knight, fucks the noble steed and sacrifices the princess to Satan.<br />
<br />
* GORE METAL<br />
The protagonist arrives, kills the dragon and spreads his guts in front of the castle, fucks the princess and kills her. Then he fucks the dead body again, slashes her belly and eats her guts. Then he fucks the carcass for the third time, burns the corpse and fucks it for the last time.<br />
<br />
* DOOM METAL<br />
The protagonist arrives, sees the size of the dragon and thinks he could never beat him, then he gets depressed and commits suicide. The dragon eats his body and the princess as dessert. That's the end of the sad story.<br />
<br />
* PROGRESSIVE METAL<br />
The protagonist arrives with a guitar and plays a solo of 26 minutes. The dragon kills himself out of boredom. The protagonist arrives to the princess' bedroom, plays another solo with all the techniques and tunes he learned in the last year of the conservatory. The princess escapes looking for the 'HEAVY METAL' protagonist.<br />
<br />
* GLAM METAL<br />
The protagonist arrives, the dragon laughs at the guy's appearance and lets him enter. He steals the princess' make up and tries to paint the castle in a beautiful pink colour.<br />
<br />
* NU METAL<br />
The protagonist arrives in a run down Honda Civic and attempts to fight the dragon but he burns to death when his moronic baggy clothes catch fire. </blockquote>teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-9825270947910628072011-11-06T23:53:00.000-10:002011-11-06T23:53:29.006-10:00Conditions of My Parole? More like Winditions of My Parole.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xk6k8VJTh-E/TrejJpM78ZI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/M--B_5iGKT8/s1600/1318139877puscifercondi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xk6k8VJTh-E/TrejJpM78ZI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/M--B_5iGKT8/s200/1318139877puscifercondi.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This album could just about be my AoTY 2011.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So, here we are. In the interest of not studying for a Japanese exam tomorrow, I have instead decided to write a little blurb on the new Puscifer album, entitled, "Conditions of My Parole".<br />
<br />
Now, while I've enjoyed pretty much everything in the Tool and A Perfect Circle discographies, and when I heard about Maynard James Keenan's solo project I took a listen to his first album, "V is for Vagina". Personally, I felt that album was lacking that usual MJK flair, and I didn't like it all that much. With that mindset, I dug into this new release.<br />
<br />
Holy crap.<br />
<br />
Jesus H. Christ, this album is incredible.<br />
<br />
From <u>Tiny Monsters</u>, the opener, I could instantly see this was going to be different from the first full length. Then I came across <u>Green Valley</u>. At that point, I was hooked. I continued through, enjoying <u>Man Overboard,</u> <u>Toma,<i> </i></u>and the title track, <u>Conditions of My Parole</u> with that same feeling I had when I first discovered Tool some ten odd years ago. Finally with the last second of <u>Tumbleweed</u> tumbling by, I felt drained. I hadn't had an album do that to me since Agalloch's "Marrow of the Spirit" released last year. Now, some 200+ odd scrobbles on my Last.fm later, I can confidently recommend this album to anyone, it's that good.<br />
<br />
And on that note, I'm off to sleep. Exams be damned.teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-78845632368674606792011-10-25T21:42:00.001-10:002011-10-25T21:49:08.200-10:00Changin' Things About Stuff<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icCBBpYvjos/Tqe5wX3E_MI/AAAAAAAAAFA/jSYgK8aiex8/s1600/Last.fm-image.jpg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="76" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icCBBpYvjos/Tqe5wX3E_MI/AAAAAAAAAFA/jSYgK8aiex8/s200/Last.fm-image.jpg.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hit me up on last.fm<br />
http://www.last.fm/user/DivNecZL</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In the interest of continuing this blag, and so as to find more stuff to write about, I have decided to add music to the list of topics I discuss on this blog. I figure writing about albums I enjoy might help breathe new life into this thing, since I've had writer's block for some time now. When I listen to a new (to me) album that's worth talking about, I'll throw it up here for your perusal.<br />
<br />
Also: note the new box in the sidebar listing the last 5 new albums I've listened to. Pretty neat, I'd think. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hopefully this means I'll write more QUALITY content for you, the readership.<br />
<br />
Cheers,<br />
<br />
The Management.teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-41596043420799082202011-09-17T10:50:00.001-10:002011-09-17T10:52:37.743-10:00Portal Free Until Sept. 20<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RvSUhn8LhC8/TnUHAzduRnI/AAAAAAAAAE4/6l1_v9RuGMY/s1600/Portal-game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RvSUhn8LhC8/TnUHAzduRnI/AAAAAAAAAE4/6l1_v9RuGMY/s320/Portal-game.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably one of the best puzzle games ever, says me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I know this is a couple of days late, but I figure I'd announce it here as well as all the other social networking sites I frequent, because, well. If you don't already own a copy of Portal, you really are missing out.<br />
<br />
VALVe even put out a sweet YouTube video about how educators are starting to use games like Portal and the Hammer editor to learn physics, and things of that nature.<br />
<br />
In any case, VALVe has made Portal free until September 20. Yes, all you need is a valid Steam account and you're set. Here's the place, and the pretty interesting YouTube video:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://learnwithportals.com/">http://learnwithportals.com/</a>teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-51458510261612451712011-08-18T20:56:00.000-10:002011-08-18T20:56:25.927-10:00Spotlight: Upcoming Releases<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I've felt ways about many different upcoming video games, but a few of them stand out as ones that I am actively trying to acquire to play. Here are just a few of them:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R4VBhEzrBm0/TjvL4bYaAfI/AAAAAAAAAEE/5Lom7thuUyQ/s1600/assassins-creed-revelations-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="88" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R4VBhEzrBm0/TjvL4bYaAfI/AAAAAAAAAEE/5Lom7thuUyQ/s200/assassins-creed-revelations-logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Assassin's Creed: Revelations</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
With the final installment of the Ezio Auditore da Firenze story arc taking place in this game, and the connections between Ezio and Altair (along with the game taking place around the old Masyaf fortress), I'm sure Revelations will bring some of the best story driven gameplay that Ubisoft brought to the table with the earlier Ezio games.<br />
<br />
Also, that E3 trailer with Woodkid's Iron playing in the background. Incredible.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RU1EBaqXU7s/TjvQaUlVGTI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/16a9cbtosRA/s1600/rotate.php.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="63" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RU1EBaqXU7s/TjvQaUlVGTI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/16a9cbtosRA/s400/rotate.php.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. Red Orchestra 2 - Heroes of Stalingrad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>With the game close to release, I still want to put in a word or two about the newest game by Tripwire Interactive. Their first game (and the first game in this series), Red Orchestra - Ostfront '41-45 is still one of the most widely played and popular first person shooters online. I can't say enough about how incredible this game will be. I've come to place Tripwire at about the same level as VALVe in some respects, with their ability to really listen to the community and include features that not only make gameplay challenging but also exciting. Also, every single game you guys have made (bar The Ball) has been awesome. Keep up the good work.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-0ctTDQ8Sk/TjvSIkkbCSI/AAAAAAAAAEU/d9BzLOrDhJw/s1600/SpaceMarine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-0ctTDQ8Sk/TjvSIkkbCSI/AAAAAAAAAEU/d9BzLOrDhJw/s320/SpaceMarine.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. Warhammer 40000: Space Marine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Relic Entertainment is known for bringing the Warhammer 40000 universe to life, most notably through the last two Dawn of War sequences (Dawn of War, Winter Assault, Dark Crusade, Soulstorm and Dawn of War II, Chaos Rising, Retribution). Having done more than enough real time strategy games, Space Marine is an action adventure shooter much in the same vein as Gears of War. While I usually wouldn't care for a game like Gears of War, I personally enjoy the Warhammer 40k universe and always look for ways to do things within it. <br />
<br />
Just keep Matt Ward away from it, and I'll be fine.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCKXBF947Wc/Tk4D6Nti5VI/AAAAAAAAAEY/pmIzAEkx3n4/s1600/dota-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="121" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCKXBF947Wc/Tk4D6Nti5VI/AAAAAAAAAEY/pmIzAEkx3n4/s200/dota-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4. Defense of the Ancients 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>People who know me in real life would probably raise an eyebrow at this next one. I have for the most part been against DoTA and it's other MOBA spinoffs (mainly League of Legends and Heroes of Newerth) finding them to be dull, unentertaining and for the most part, unfun. Having recently seen what VALVe has done to this new version of the popular WarCraft III custom map in conjunction with the DoTA team has made me take a fresh look at this game. As of this writing, VALVe is hosting a tournament with a $1 million prize <i>and the game is still in beta.</i> If VALVe has the confidence to host such a tourney, then I should be a bit more open-minded and give this game another try.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjn-n8fwEYs/Tk4FWXjbH-I/AAAAAAAAAEc/HKqYbYB9C4I/s1600/Path_of_Exile_Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjn-n8fwEYs/Tk4FWXjbH-I/AAAAAAAAAEc/HKqYbYB9C4I/s320/Path_of_Exile_Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5. Path of Exile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I recently got into the closed beta of this game, and I like what I'm seeing with it. Path of Exile is an Action RPG in the vein of Diablo I and II which is being developed by Grinding Gear Games. As of right now, the game has 5 different character classes, and spans across 2 different Acts. The game will launch as a free to play title and will be constantly updated with new content.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DC7wnhgY27c/Tk4GhA1XFTI/AAAAAAAAAEg/xaKfEvW53Cs/s1600/Saints-Row-3-Story-Details-Revealed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DC7wnhgY27c/Tk4GhA1XFTI/AAAAAAAAAEg/xaKfEvW53Cs/s320/Saints-Row-3-Story-Details-Revealed.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6. Saints Row The Third</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For the sandbox GTA category, I have decided on Saint's Row III. Why? Well, Saint's Row is about awesome. It's a million times better than GTA and I loved Saint's Row II. That's about all I need to say about this awesome game.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYsLQ5jTfZo/Tk4G9p7junI/AAAAAAAAAEo/UFEtJGj5MIk/s1600/DeadIsland_00%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYsLQ5jTfZo/Tk4G9p7junI/AAAAAAAAAEo/UFEtJGj5MIk/s1600/DeadIsland_00%25281%2529.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7. Dead Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In the horror genre, Dead Island stands out as a real competitor. The game takes place on a resort island that has fallen to what is basically a zombie infection. Your character must try to survive on this resort hellhole.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spF_XpZ43Qc/Tk4IitFoseI/AAAAAAAAAEs/pqpl1pNpsQQ/s1600/zsdF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spF_XpZ43Qc/Tk4IitFoseI/AAAAAAAAAEs/pqpl1pNpsQQ/s1600/zsdF.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>To be clear: I'm not buying this game. I'm going to acquire it to play single player. I've put too much time into this ass backwards story (starting with Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, then going full retard in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2), and I'm going to see this damn thing through. Activision can go screw itself, for all I care.<br />
<br />
And finally:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RLwxlc5CL24/TjvNlNXw0lI/AAAAAAAAAEM/FN2jyFuLilk/s1600/Diablo-III-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RLwxlc5CL24/TjvNlNXw0lI/AAAAAAAAAEM/FN2jyFuLilk/s200/Diablo-III-logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">9. Diabl- LOL JUST KIDDING</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The more I look and hear about the newest installment of one of the best RPG's I've played ever, the more I want to weep. Between the art style getting shat on by that Warcraft influence that StarCraft II also suffers from, to the recent reports of Blizzard removing single player and LAN functionality, along with the money grubbing auction house bullshit that reeks of Bobby Kotick, I'm going to skip Diablo III. Granted, I'll acquire a means to play it on my own. I'm just not going to spend $60 dollars like I did with StarCraft II. Talk about buyers remorse. Instead:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WCgBdNgjKB0/TjvM_MZgZ2I/AAAAAAAAAEI/IiCV42goLzQ/s1600/Torchlight-2-Hands-On-Preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WCgBdNgjKB0/TjvM_MZgZ2I/AAAAAAAAAEI/IiCV42goLzQ/s200/Torchlight-2-Hands-On-Preview.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">9. Torchlight II</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm buying Torchlight II. It's literally done by all the old members of Blizzard North (makers of all those classic Blizzard games that came out before World of WarCraft and it's ilk.). This essentially makes it the spiritual successor to Diablo II and Lord of Destruction. I'm also buying it as a big "FUCK YOU TOO" to Blizzard, who has really betrayed my trust as of late.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-44025042289035795332011-08-01T22:21:00.000-10:002011-08-01T22:21:36.489-10:00Sudden Realization<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ozO4N4G0Kw/TjevMCUOK9I/AAAAAAAAAEA/PXcZMWr_AEg/s1600/148075370_7ca8f3c207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ozO4N4G0Kw/TjevMCUOK9I/AAAAAAAAAEA/PXcZMWr_AEg/s320/148075370_7ca8f3c207.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have seen the light. I need a break.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It hit me a few days ago when I was lying in my bed thinking yet again about ways to defeat your average <a href="http://magiccards.info/scans/en/cmd/220.jpg">Riku of Two Reflections</a> EDH deck. I had been in a foul mood over being yet again stomped by <a href="http://magiccards.info/scans/en/mi/134.jpg">Tooth and Nail</a> + Riku's UR activation + other similar shenanigans. Earlier on in the week, I had ragequit from playing <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/70000/">Dino D-Day</a> after a team I had been playing on put on the worst possible performance I had ever been a part of. Before even that, I was starting to get sick and tired of the numerous ways a Grey Knight army could rape my Imperial Guard corps. At that time, I had also lost the will to play <a href="http://na.leagueoflegends.com/">League of Legends</a>, <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/440/">Team Fortress 2</a> or any game I had at one point thought of as "fun" during my 2 month summer vacation from the hustle and bustle of the university. On top of this, old mainstays such as <a href="http://www.worldoftanks.com/">World of Tanks</a> and <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/34330/">Shogun 2: Total War</a> had become slow and dull for my poor self.<br />
<br />
I sat there, cards in hand, wracking my brain when that small thought had crept into my head. "Yo Chris," the thought had opened with, "you really should step back from gaming for a bit." It was true. In my eternal quest for true entertainment, I had lost the reason why I had enjoyed the Traditionally Virtual games that I had based a good portion of my life around. Fun. I had stopped having fun. It was a disgusting feeling, a nugget of truth at the back of my mind. I needed a break. A break from all things.<br />
<br />
Either that, or at least something different to do. With 21 days left until the university restarted classes again, the state of me being bored out of my mind was very very close to being a reality.<br />
<br />
I used to believe in fun once. I don't know what's happened to me. I... guess I just need a break.teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2245242059083425061.post-60679091070168638292011-07-13T23:56:00.001-10:002011-07-14T00:03:08.048-10:00The Post-Summer Camp Sale Post or: "Holy Crap, Terraria is Fun!"<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyUjl_YzIcw/Th19VPDQ3sI/AAAAAAAAAB8/Ho5FS1o0Uds/s1600/summercamp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyUjl_YzIcw/Th19VPDQ3sI/AAAAAAAAAB8/Ho5FS1o0Uds/s400/summercamp.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Summer Camp Achievement Box</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now that the Steam Summer Camp Sale is over, I'm able to take a look back at all the games I've played and all the sweet freebies and other awesome games I picked up.<br />
<br />
First off, I like this new way Valve is doing in regards with major sales. The Steam Treasure Hunt was fun as hell, and this is just a better version of that same promotion. In this case, I picked up what probably amounted in at least $25-30 in free DLC and full games, while rediscovering hidden gems and rediscovering what it means to have fun (like with <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/31280/">Poker Night at the Inventory</a>)<br />
<br />
One such game is <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/105600/?snr=1_4_4__13">Terraria</a>, which to me looked like a shitty 2D Minecraft clone. This was the original reason for me to pass the game by and continue to look for more entertaining venues (<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_262751733"></a><a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/48190/">Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood</a> was one such entertaining venue, which I'm glad I played). Well, I had a copy of Terraria gifted to me, and, well.... it's incredible. I love just going around creating awesome shit all while dodging zombies, slimes and other incredible enemies. You think Creepers are the worst things to deal with in Minecraft, check out the motherfucking <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR-JanbYfSQ">Eater of Worlds</a>. This guy will fuck your shit. Seriously.<br />
<br />
Anyways, here's a picture of my floating death yacht. The floors are made from hellstone bricks, which can only be mined at the very lowest levels of the World, commonly referred to as Hell.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kDkxyoAQ0ec/Th677c3E_VI/AAAAAAAAACA/Co3B36OwBQo/s1600/2011-07-13_00001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kDkxyoAQ0ec/Th677c3E_VI/AAAAAAAAACA/Co3B36OwBQo/s400/2011-07-13_00001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floating a mile or so above the ground, my battlecruiser of death will kill most visitors that have not made proper trips to Hell.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I love the soundtrack that this game uses, and it's hard not to hum along with the day and nighttime tracks as your in game day progresses.<br />
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Anyway, back to more Terraria.teh_chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11865373048705804360noreply@blogger.com1