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flagrant3.com.

I don’t want to set the world on fire… I just want my damn platinum trophy.

I should start by saying this by no means is a review, if you were looking for that you will sadly be disappointed.

Well if you read the title, and you played the game, then you of course know that I’m talking about Fallout 3. Like I said this by no means is any sort of review, it’s more of a dilemma I’ve had with this game. The dilemma being on how to play and eventually beat the game. Simple enough right? “Just fucking finish the game!” Well not so simple for me.

Ok, so I’m just going to enlighten you with some history on how I got myself into this precarious position. It all happened last week when Jed, Anthony and myself met up. Now we usually grab some food and just drive around aimlessly, get lost, talk about shit, then eventually find our way back. But this time we chose to forego the getting lost and hit up some burger spots instead, grab ‘em and go eat at Anthony’s house. All well and good until Anthony tells us that he got a platinum trophy. Now I for one didn’t buy into the trophy hunting game, even when Jed was going trophy hungry and blitzing through rockband 2. I don’t know, but maybe it was me always thinking that platinum was never going to happen, which is why I never really yearned for it. But when Anthony said he got it for Prince of Persia (a game I beat, and had, well sort of, it belongs to my brother) I suddenly became consumed with needing a platinum. Quite geeky I know, but it’s just the thought that I could have gotten one as well.

So after that night, my insatiable appetite began to grow. And not just for platinum trophies, but trophies in general. My hunger for trophies had caused me to go through older games that were “trophy enabled” and try to “catch ‘em all” (reference doesn’t quite work but I had to include it). You can probably guess that I gave up pretty quickly. You really need to devote a large amount of time to get a platinum. Now my laziness always wins, and if I begin “working” for something my brain usually kicks in and reminds me that “bitch you’re doing work, slack off motherfucker!” (that’s right, that is how my brain talks) and I usually listen.

……Hmmm I’ve seemed to de-rail this blog away from the original idea and into one about my laziness. Well to get back on topic, I’ve become trophy hungry because of Anthony. And now that I have recently picked up Fallout 3, I can actually see myself getting a platinum. Herein lies the dilemma: I don’t know how I should play this game. I mean, should I play it the way it’s supposed to be played? As in, do what I feel like, make decisions based on what I would actually do OR bypass that and go the completist route and get that elusive platinum trophy the first time through? The game is so massive that I don’t think I can play it another time. Don’t get me wrong, the game is awesome from what I’ve played so far, but it would take a great deal of time to go through it again. Time I am not willing to invest. As of now, I am leaning towards the completist route, so I can finally taste the platinum but I really had every intention of playing the game as a “grade A” asshole. I can’t give up that dream just yet, so you can count on me making multiple saves just for that.

- Julian

There can only be one: the retrospect.

So it’s nearly been a year since that faithful day that had me join the dreaded facebook community. Looking back on it now, I still have the same feelings toward the social network as I did before I joined. I still see no need for it. I already have a phone, which is my preferred form of communication second to actual face-to-face conversation. Then there’s email and msn messenger. Sure I can’t look/post pictures or videos but most of that can be done on this blog (and to be honest if I did we would probably have a lot more posts.) and it rightfully should be posted here.

Well the whole reason for this blog other than the fact that I’m bored on a Monday night is that I’ve decided to leave facebook. For this simple reason: there is no need for me to be on that network. I failed to get addicted, I did not re-connect with past classmates (because of my many refusals, it stems to more personal reasons that I won’t clog this blog with) and lastly it simply was a waste of my time. And not the kind of time wasting fun that video games offer.

Seeing how I did live up to the bet and the fact that Anthony, Jed, and myself more or less forgot the stipulations of the bet, I can leave facebook behind. So as of April 1st (fitting isn’t it?) I will de-activate my account with a smile on my face. This will be no April Fool’s day shenanigan, it’ll all be very real. Hopefully I’ll somehow muster up the motivation to blog on a more consistent basis.

My thumb is sore, from fighting in the streets.

No I don’t live on the wrong side of the tracks where turf wars are settled like real men, via thumb wrestling. (I wish) I’m talking about Capcom’s latest, and fans would say overdue update to its fighting game franchise with Street Fighter 4. I think it’s awesomeness is unanimous. If you enjoyed the Street Fighters of past, this one is a no-brainer. And if you didn’t enjoy them, the hype surrounding this release will probably change your mind about the franchise.

I’ll let your favourite game review site break the game down – I recommend this review. I’d like to spend this entry focusing on the response to the game.

Stock (or lack of it)

The game is nowhere to be found in Toronto. I had a back and forth debate with a friend regarding how difficult it would be to find the game on launch. His argument, it shouldn’t be a problem, its market is pretty niche. My argument, niche market yes, but the game is still coming from Japan. Capcom isn’t Nintendo, but if the Wii and Wii Fit have taught me anything, its that the Japanese know how to create a panicked demand by short stocking supply. Nearing release I knew this wasn’t going to be another GTAIV where I could walk into a videogame retailer on its launch date and find a wall of copies at my disposal. I mean, the Street Fighter Tournament Edition arcade sticks were already sold out weeks before the game was to be released.

It launched a week ago, and either stores haven’t got their restocks, or people have been rushing stock boys. Initially I put in an early pre-order online at Amazon. I knew I would probably receive the game a week after launch, but it didn’t bother me too much. But given my proximity to a number of video game retailers on launch date, I figured a casual check at each store would be interesting. For some reason Best Buy and Future Shop had the game slated for a late release, a day after everyone else. I stopped by a trusty EB Games, only to be asked if I was on the pre-order list. I knew stock was a problem when I heard that line. It brought back flashes of trying to hunt down a Wii Fit (now catching dust beside the Wii). Surprisingly, a random customer at EB gave me a tip, “check HMV”. So to HMV I went, and Street Fighter 4 there was. Sitting behind the cash register was a pile of XBOX360 and PS3 versions, and what appeared to be one or two 360 CEs. Inquired about a copy, and was with a disappointed tone, told that they were out of the PS3 CEs. I didn’t ask for it, but I guess I wasn’t the first Street Fighter check of the morning. So I left the store with a copy, as employees wondered what Street Fighter was, and why it was selling so fast. That turned out to be a smart purchase, since some pre-orders from Amazon have yet to ship. Not to mention the lists Best Buy, Future Shop, and EB have failed to supply a copy to.

I’ve had a number of interesting moments this past week where I overheard a Future Shop employee talk about how he himself was hunting down a copy, and a random person at a Hero Burger doing a Street Fighter stock check over the phone.

Capcom has claimed to have shipped over two million copies worldwide, but I’d be curious at the “unbelievable” number a Capcom rep stated regarding North American first week sales. I also wonder what that number could have been, if everyone who wanted a copy got one.

Seth

The forums are abuzz regarding the final boss character, with many hating him. Add me to that bunch. It seemed that Capcom gave up on trying to create a compelling final boss, and decided to just mix everyone’s fighting moves into a single character. Oh, not only that, but give them priority over almost every other move in the game. I’ve had a number of frustrating cycles of continues trying to squeak my way to a victory. I’m far from a Street Fighter connoisseur, but there’s something wrong when fights on the easiest difficulty are problematic. With a repertoire of teleports and throws, it seems that every fight with him is a toss up (unless you Lariat your way through him).

With that said, he doesn’t kill the Arcade experience for me. Sure it’s frustrating, but there’s nothing more fulfilling than beating him after 20 or so continues. What Seth almost certainly does kill is any shot I have in achieving a platinum trophy (in concert with my trial mode illiteracy).

To Arcade Stick or not to Arcade Stick?

Popular consensus seems to point to the fact that you can’t play this game (well) or truly experience the game on anything but an arcade stick. I don’t dispute that. I guess a good player on a controller is against the odds, when facing another good player on an arcade stick. But what people seem to miss is the fact that an arcade stick doesn’t automatically make you a better at the game. Money, It’s not the shoes. I can only imagine the number of arcade sticks that will end up catching dust, or being returned because it didn’t “work right”. Prior to launch I was pretty gung ho on getting on an arcade stick, not the Street Fighter branded ones exactly, but anything affordable was in my radar. This was until I actually tried playing on one (albeit Mortal Kombat) and realizing how the arcade stick itself introduces a completely new learning curve. Not to mention the necessity of a table to put it on. Growing up experiencing Street Fighter on a controller, and lacking a table top killed the appeal. I could see the fun in having a pair of them, and duking it out cabinet style with your friends. Other than that, a controller seems sufficient.

But the PS3 and XBOX 360 controllers are undoubtedly d-pad handicapped. The 360 d-pad acts like they put it over an analog stick interface. And the PS3 controller seems to be missing the oh so vital diagonal inputs. (I know it’s not necessary to have them, but it sure does help)  So not wanting to spend the $60 on the Street Fighter branded fighting pads, with the almost zero chance of finding one in stores, I decided to take a risk on eBay with forum recommended Sega Saturn USB controllers. Prices seem to have gone up slightly since I was able to pick up a controller for $30 with shipping prior the Street Fighter release. I know it’s a rebranded “SEGA” controller, but it does its job well. Much like the Mad Catz offering it touts 6 face buttons, 2 shoulders, and most important, a decent d-pad. I’ve been using it exclusively with the game, and the only problem I’ve had was the initial button mapping. I’d also like to note that my 40GB 2xUSB PS3 seems to lack the juice to power the controller, running it through a powered hub fixed everything though.  Admittedly I’m still unable to competently pull of Zangief’s Super Combo, but it’s something I’ve been equally inept at on an analog stick. Opting for a different controller didn’t make me a better a better player, but it sure made the game more comfortable/natural to play.

Looking at the big picture, Street Fighter follows the recent (and solid) Mortal Kombat offering from Midway. Forget the return of the musical, with the hype, and apparent sales to back it up, Street Fighter 4 seems to herald the return of the fighting game. Now get on that Marvel vs. Capcom 3!

You know what pisses me off…

Back from the dead? Technically, no. Let’s just say we’re trying to resuscitate our half-baked idea of owning a blog.

So I decided to make a list of things that really “grind my gears”. By no means should this be taken to heart, it’s more or less my satirical view on things that bother me. I would just like to be clear that most of my squabbles come from the city I currently reside, Toronto. Enjoy, and you’re welcome.

1. Public transportation
The TTC to be more specific.

I put this at the top of the list because, God how I hate it so. First of all let me list the benefits. Well it is eco-friendly and errmm … it beats walking I guess. Yes, those are the only benefits I can think up. Sure if you don’t have a car or any other means I guess that’s your only option, but that’s one fucked up option.

For starters, the routes, or lack there of. A city as LARGE as Toronto should have a suffice amount of routes to accommodate the population. Sure there are numerous bus routes and streetcar lines, but fuck only two subway lines? (I am fully aware of the blue and purple lines but I consider those to be handicapped lines seeing how they merely are extensions.) Seriously two fucking lines now that’s fucked up. Tokyo and London have a fuckload of lines, I’m not saying copy them, but damn copy them. Not to mention that since there are only two lines and a shitload of passengers, imagine the congestion.

Which brings me to the second problem I have with public transportation. Now I understand that sure there are peak times where it’s pretty much like herding cattle, but surely there are ways to ease the build up. Hmmm perhaps more vehicles? I know I’m picking on the subway lines but it’s such an easy target. Why does it seem that during those peak times that somehow the trains are always slow, so slow that the platforms always get packed before another train arrives? Are they trying to test human patience? Cause I always find myself waiting for another train rather then cramming into an already full train car. Also, not so much a flaw with the TTC but more with passengers. If you see a car that’s full don’t try and ram yourself in, I mean at least have the courtesy to gauge the space available first before trying to cram your way inside. Oh and saying “excuse me” or “I’m sorry” doesn’t hurt, I mean it’s the least you can do for rubbing up your junk against me. Another thing, if you have a backpack on, take the fucking thing off, it creates so much more room and plus you won’t look like a moron hitting everyone as you try to pivot and maneuver your way out. That’s enough passenger basing for now, as for streetcars I haven’t taken a ride on one for the longest time so I won’t talk about them. Buses however are something else. What the fuck is up with those unscheduled breaks? You know what I mean. Those stops where the bus driver just stops and waits for what seems like an eternity without ever saying a word to the passengers. Seriously say something! That’s just fucked up. I don’t recall paying the fare for us to be stopped indefinitely.

Oh the fare, the last thing that pisses me off the most about the TTC. It seems that it just gets higher and higher every year. What the fuck is that? I mean what am I paying for? It seems like $2.75 gets me let’s see, a one way trip, a very limited collection of routes, unexplained stops, and unwarranted assaults. Fuck at least use the money to put more vehicles out there.To be honest, I think I much rather say FUCK YOU! to mother earth and keep my $2.75 and drive a gas guzzling behemoth of a car. Oh and another thing what’s the deal with the “request stops” being for women only? Seriously just because I’m a dude doesn’t mean there isn’t the slight chance of me being gang-raped and mutilated by sick fuckers. So in any case, I’ll stick to my car where the only way I can die is in a heaping pile of smoldering wreckage.

That was a long first point, but there was no way I was going to shorten it. It had to be said. However the following points should be less of novel and more of a mini-rant.

2. TNA
Yes the clothing line.

If you know me then you know how much I despise TNA. Everything about it just bothers me. Well if someone didn’t tell me what TNA actually stood for, then I would have thought that it stood for what any logical person would: Tits and Ass. But apparently it stands for “THE NATIONAL ANTHEM”. Seriously. Jesus Christ how could I not think that this clothing line, which was designed to clearly highlight the tits and the ass, was actually in a way being patriotic. Are you fucking kidding me? “Well having a problem with the name doesn’t justify you hating the brand so much.” Fuck you bitch it gets better, not only does the name insult everyone’s intelligence, (seriously you would have to be fully retarded to believe anything other than that TNA stood for tits and ass) everyone fucking wears it. I MEAN EVERYONE! What’s even worse is that it seems like it doesn’t even bother them. At least that’s what it looks like. Even though most women don’t want to admit it, I know deep down inside they hate it when someone else is wearing the same thing as them. I mean even I hate it if I see someone wearing the same sneakers as me. But yet they still continue to buy this shit. I mean are you so devoid of reality that you really think you’ll be the only one sporting it? “At least I was the first one to wear it.” Fuck that, you still look like that chick sitting next to you on the bus. I never quite understood how this line got so popular and frankly I don’t want to know, I think it’ll make my head explode. In a world where being an individual matters it seems that the tagline for this brand should be “Fuck being an individual, look like every other chick while being patriotic!”

Now I know that this may have come off a bit harsh but let’s be clear: I don’t hate people that wear TNA, I mean I would have to get to know you before I can say that I hate you. Maybe it’s just me but I’d like to think that everyone (women in this case) can come up with better style.

3. Ugg boots

Yes those boots. Funny thing is I share that same hate towards TNA as I do with those boots. The reasons are very similar. Oddly enough it seems TNA and Uggs go hand-in-hand. Can’t wear one without the other. To be honest, Uggs may just be the most ugliest kind of footwear I have ever seen. And I would suggest that you not look at them, matter of fact you probably should avoid any contact with them. But that’s impossible. “Impossible is nothing”. Fuck you Adidas, in this case it’s fucking impossible. Just like TNA, it’s everywhere. Even men wear it! Now that’s just ridiculous. I’m convinced that Uggs is short for “motherfucking ugly”.

I truly hate those boots. There is no reason to buy those atrocities. You might as well wear stained paper bags on your feet, at least those would be more stylish.

4. Wearing sunglasses indoors or at night

Seriously what the fuck is up with this trend? Do you really hate being able to see? Or do you just prefer having your vision compromised? My apologies for thinking that sunglasses should be only worn when the sun is out. The whole inclusion of the word SUN just threw me off guard. “But it makes me look cool and mysterious”. No it makes you look like an ass in dire need of attention. So please take off those shades before you walk into a wall.

Wearing sunglasses when there’s no sun just defies any and all logic. I mean would you wear snowpants when there isn’t any snow? Besides looking totally awesome rocking snowpants in July, it’s just not practical or logical for that matter.

5. AXE
Yup that retarded stench of a “body-spray”.

Do people actually believe that the scent that comes out those bottles is any way pleasant? It smells like the sweat of a cheap person. You know what? If you wear this as cologne then you are cheap. Fuck the scent is terrible and those commercials of how all the ladies will chase you, God those are just plain retarded. Biggest case of bullshit-in-a-can, ever. I actually did a test (no I didn’t) and sprayed a dog, and lo-and-behold there were no line-ups of ladies ready to experiment in bestiality. But the dog died though, probably from the traumatic experience of not seeing the ladies flock around him. Honestly, I’m pretty sure the cause of death was most likely from the scent and more so from me emptying an entire can on it. AXE Body Spray: for cheap motherfuckers!

I think I should mention that no animals were harmed in making this rant. Also AXE sucks plain and simple. Strapped for cash? Use a pine tree car-air-freshener, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper and you’ll smell like nature. Chicks dig nature.

6. Taxi drivers

Now I know it’s your living, and that you’re just trying earn your wage, but fuck do you have to drive like a madman hopped up on goofballs with the cops chasing after you while your pants are on fire? (Quite an image right?) Holy shit man I gotta get places too but fuck you don’t see me pull up beside you on the next lane at every red light just to beat you. I mean I make it my personal duty to fucking screw you over if you do do that. You chose that lane, yes that lane with the parked cars that can be seen from a mile away and the only way to bypass them is to merge. So fuck you and get in line. That’s pretty much the equivalent of you cutting in line at the washroom. You’re lucky I don’t throw my shoes at you, otherwise *BOOM* Converse right on the face motherfucker!

Now I’ve been driving for quite some time, so I know what taxi drivers are like, most of the time I don’t even bother with them. It’s really not worth the hassle, so I just let them pass.

7. Supporting your city
Their Sports’ franchises to be more specific.

I don’t recall ever signing anything that said if you live in a city you have to support their teams. So fucking leave me alone if I want to hate on them. This focuses more on the Raptors as I don’t like baseball or hockey. Geez if I want to say that they suck ox testicles let me do it, don’t lecture me on how they’re going to get better. I didn’t ask for that. Plus don’t give me that bullshit on how “since you live here, in the city, you should at least support their teams.” Fuck that, if I were to use that kind of reasoning and if I lived in Germany during WWII then I would have to be in support of the Nazis. And yes I am comparing support of sport franchises to the support of the Nazis.

In no way am I in support of the Nazis. And I still think the Raptors suck.

8. Movies based on cartoons or video games
Seriously they all come out like shit.

Well since the Chun-Li movie is slated to release today it’s fitting to discuss how I hate how Hollywood butchers video-game or cartoon movie adaptions. For fuck’s sake they are destroying all the cartoons and games I loved as a child. Jesus Christ do we need another Street Fighter movie? Didn’t we suffer from Van-Damme, who oddly enough played Guile the All-American G.I. Joe fighter when he himself has a heavy accent which relates to only deaf people being able to understand him when he speaks. There is no doubt in my mind that this new movie will equal in suckage seeing how Kristin Kreuk is playing Chun-Li. “I mean her acting is phenomenal! So what the fuck, give her a full-length film.” Seriously are they even thinking when they cast actors? Don’t get me started on the Dragonball film cause that shit should just be destroyed. That fuckfest doesn’t even give Master Roshi a Shell or Bulma blue/green hair. That’s fucked up.

On a positive note I did like the first Mortal Kombat movie. They fucked up hard on the sequel though.

9. The Hills and any other show like it
Hmmm this should be higher up on the list…

God this show is the epitome of everything wrong in the world. What’s even worse is that it has a dedicated fan-base. And by dedicated I mean fucktards (I just made that word up) who discuss what happened on a scripted “reality” show. Yes MTV has an after-show where people share their feelings (Yes I know, it hurts my brain too, trying to fathom the idea of people gathering around to share their feelings about a fucking show, let alone a horrendous one) about the episode that just aired. Fuck don’t you have lives? Families? Friends? God I hope you have a hobby? Possible drug addiction? Anything?!!? Jesus fucking Christ, anything is better than sitting through that garbage of a show. And to think people are actually sitting at home watching other people sit and talk about something they saw literally five minutes ago. WHAT THE FUCK? Another terrible thing is that it has it’s share of spin-offs all equally pointless and equally trivial.

It’s just bad, I would rather die a slow agonizing death only to come back and die that same death than sit through an episode of this piece of hogshit of a show.

10. Saying No
It’s never enough.

Saying no should be enough don’t you think? I mean it’s clear-cut, no shades of grey, just black and white. No need to reason or question. The decision has been made, so why try? I don’t know why people do it, but when someone says “no” it seems like they feel the need to try and convince them otherwise. No is a pretty strong statement in itself but somehow it’s never enough. I mean don’t get me wrong, I appreciate all the effort, I really do, but you’re fighting a losing battle. And I think that I should mention that if someone says “maybe” or “I’ll think about it” it almost always means no. They’re just waiting for the most opportune time to tell, which being the time they’ll incur the least amount of flack for saying no, either that or they actually will think about it (this never happens). Personally I never say YES unless I am 100% sure, I rarely say it, mainly because I hate making decisions on the spot. Just as well, if I say yes it means my mind is made up.

Yes and No, if it’s not one it’s clearly the other. Plain and simple.

I hoped you enjoyed the list. There are a few that I left out, but I might make another batch in the future. For now these 10 should suffice, plus sitting and typing this long made me feel like I had a purpose. That’s never good.

mature students… really?

Mature students, those of you in colleges and universities are no strangers to them. They’re usually pretty admirable, how can you be mad at anyone determined to get an education? And usually they seem to be the hardest working, most-involved, and vocal students in class. Much of my university experience was indeed listening to these opinions. Sometimes bringing up interesting points, sometimes saying things for the sake of it. But admirable nonetheless, I only wished I were that driven.

Conceptually this isn’t that surprising. I’ve had a number of professors talk about this exactly. In a nutshell, older people tend to be wiser, and understand the privilege of education.

How is it then that my current mature colleagues in my IT program are so different? There are two of them, and even though I’m terrible at guessing ages, I would say that they’re in their 30s or 40s. And regardless of the wisdom and lessons they may have accumulated in their life experiences – they somehow find a way to behave like disinterested and lazy teenagers, who for some reason like to sit beside me.

Last semester, during a test in an intro Visual Basic lab, and after the instructor gave us strict instructions to keep quiet and work, the elder statesman beside me thought it wouldn’t be a problem to ask me for help. All while the instructor was giving further instructions – let’s just say I was lucky to get through it properly. The most irritating part about it were his questions; one being on how to log-into his school account (this was half-way into the semester) and secondly how to open Visual Basic. Really!?!

A couple of weeks back during an intro to hardware lab session, another one of my elders found themselves on the seat beside mine. The task was pretty simple, define computer components in their most basic terms – input/output, storage etc. But he somehow felt that it was necessary to glance over my paper, and not only that, but force a conversation about the topic as to not appear so clueless. And while I fully support and even appreciate his enthusiasm to get out of class, and constant reminders to the instructor of an impending holiday – I was surprised to find that attitude from someone twice my age.

And today, during a lab exercise with basic Java Script – my Visual Basic “buddy” once again surprised me (I didn’t think it was possible) with his obvious disconnect from what we’ve been studying for the past six weeks. Once again finding an empty seat beside me, I spent most of the class trying to help him. It’s not like I’m a Java Script buff, it’s something I haven’t done in five years (and even then only at the most basic level) – but it’s not like the lab exercise required any experience or even knowledge of coding. In fact, the lab handout provided each and every step required to finish it – right down to the “enter this script here”. But even after my numerous attempts to tell him, as nicely as I could, to read the instructions, he felt it necessary to ask me what he needed to do (repeatedly). Perhaps sensing my lack of excitement in helping him, he thought it fitting to proudly bring up the fact that his wife is a Java programmer. Really!?! As mind-blowing as that was, I still continued guiding him through, as I rushed to finish it for myself to get out of class and that situation as soon as humanly possible.

Understandably, technology and the older generation don’t make for the most compatible partnership. And it’s equally understandable for them to seek an education to better this relationship. Just as admirable as it is to see a middle-aged student talk incessantly about social theory in a lecture room; the conceptual act of trying to learn something completely new is maybe even more. It’s just depressing to see it remain just a concept, day after day.

And most sad, the fact that they may possibly be doing better than me.

Much like they’re allergic to computers, but somehow find it wise to register in a computer program – I am allergic to attendance, but somehow find it smart to keep paying for school.

But to end with a line from subpar NBA player, and equally subpar NBA commentator, Mark Jackson – mature students, “you’re better than that.” And so am I.

We’re back! (maybe?)

It’s been too long, since an entry has touched this blog – but it surprisingly has maintained a healthy number of views. I’m not saying that we’re back, but I guess I just did. Let’s just say we’re not Circuit City yet.

Until we reorganize our “business strategy”, I intend to re-post my newer entries from another blog.

Consider it a bandaid till the stimulus plan kicks in.

Routine, early wednesday entry.

I learned from last week.

I’m not in my Lab.

I’m actually posting from UofT’s library – passing time till the TTC metropass sales begin. I may no longer be a registered student here, but for some reason my student card is still active and metropass lines are definitely easier to swallow here as opposed to George Brown.

Class attendance, to my chagrin (word of the day!) – is still lacking. But even with this, I’m not in too bad of shape with my courses. I’ve even unwrapped my books, and installed class software – which is half-way to the finish line right?

I should also get delajed.com up sometime later tonight/tomorrow. My computer issues have finally been solved. Currently I’m running two PCs on a KVM switch.

I’ve had serious issues with Vista 64, and a questionable new terabyte harddrive, but going to 32-bit seems to have solved most of the problems. (But Spinrite is still crashing)

NHL 09 has been solid. I have to admit that I’m a bit underwhelmed, but it’s pretty much a step forward from last year’s offering. Be a Pro mode = my drug. I have to give EA Sports credit for including the Philippines in the country list (flag as well). First Filipino NHL’er ever (redundant). I wanted to pursue Goalie, but figured how boring it would be just standing back and watching the whole game. So I’m a left-wing sniper. I still haven’t given online play a run, but if it’s anything like last year, it should be a solid experience as well.

All I’m waiting for is for the actual season to start, so rosters can be accurately updated, and my Maple Leaf franchise can finally get on to the road to the Stanley Cup.

Metropass sales are on.

And I’m gone.

Breaking news: Boring class, encourages ‘blogging’.

So here I am at the start of a ten-hour school day.

Learning about the ‘Find and Replace’ function in Microsoft Word.

There’s nothing else I would rather do at 8 in the morning. </end sarcasm>

But at least Internet access has given me the opportunity to write this up.

I’m not even going to bother apologizing for the lack of activity. As much as I would’ve loved to maintain a consistent string of entries, I just couldn’t get around to it – four unfinished drafts is evidence of the fact. Entries, of which you’d probably never see – lost in my hard-drive formatting habit. But for the record, they were pretty awesome.

I haven’t a clue about what this post is or will be about. Right now I’m typing to keep myself awake. So this entry will be definitely be filed under random.

One thing I should let you in on is, delajed.com, soon the home of my thoughts, and opinions. It’s the first time I’ve actually ventured to set-up my own domain/site, so expect some delay in my getting it up and running.

And this just in. A text message from my flagrant3 colleague: “I’m cutting”. So it’s official, I’m gone after this class, or probably this post – whichever finishes first. Yeah, Anthony and I are in the same program, we came into it with desires of owning every class, we figured we would be able to motivate each other to academic levels unheard of. Unfortunately this has become a doble-edged sword, with us missing most of our classes.

But it is early (in the morning) and in the program, so there’s time to catch up. Or so we say.

Coming fresh off a four year stint at University (summers included), it’s been difficult to get into the “school” mindset. I always figured four years and I’m done. Apparently not.

The jump from University to College has surprisingly been a big one as well. Simply put, workload. University courses are traditionally broken up into four huge assignments or tests, that make up your grade. College I’m finding, is broken up into weekly small assignments that all add up. Very much like high school in that regard. And I’m not liking it so far. But perhaps primarily because I’m not used to it, just yet.

My history of lackluster attendance, seems to point to a turbulent College career if I don’t change my ways.

And if you’ve read this far, you’d know that I’m far from changed. But anything is possible. I’m anxiously waiting for a course to keep me motivated and interested enough to attend, and keep up with. I’m sure that it’s inevitable, or at least I’m hoping – if not, then this next two years will merely have been a way to delay and increase my student loan payments.

Whoopee! Now the “professor” is explaining the Word Toolbar.

On a random segway, let’s talk about videogames. (It is filed under the ‘random’ category)

From the tracking number Dell sent me, my copy of NHL 09 will be in my mailbox by the time I get home. And I’m actually excited to play it. NHL 08 was surprisingly my game of the year, at least it was the one I found myself playing heavily throughout the year. I think I went through 3 or 4 full seasons, with my Toronto Maple Leaf/Marlie franchise – stacked with Crosby and Ovechkin, and a farm team of number 1 draft picks from years past. NHL 09, will probably be the same story.

Sports games, primarily an NHL game, and an NBA game have been staples in my yearly gaming library. I’ve owned every version of NBA 2K ever released, and I have fond memories playing NHL 95 on the Sega Genesis. Not to mention Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey on the Nintendo 64, NFL Blitz and NBA Showtime on the Dreamcast (and arcade cabinets). It’s really hard to mess up a sports title, and in the occassion it does happen, there’s always a competing title as an alternative.

Now we’re learning about how to use Bullets and Numbering.

I also gave Spore a spin, and I have to admit that I’m impressed. I know there’s been alot of comotion behind the DRM EA has put on the game disc, limiting you to three lifetime installations. Amazon’s infamous 1-star rating (though artificically created) of the game is primarily due to the fact that you’re basically renting the game for $50. Fittingly, I went the pirated route. I did place an order on Amazon, but given the 2 week delay in shipment, and finding out about this DRM, it wasn’t difficult to cancel.

And after playing the game, I don’t regret it. The game is great, don’t get me wrong. As I’ve mentioned I was impressed and surprised with how much I actually got into it. The game is broken down into stages of evolution, starting from the “cell” stage, all the way up to space exploration. My experience with the game, went as far as the conclusion of the cell level.

Playing God, is quite empowering.

I know that every game involves playing God in some way, but I haven’t played a game that does it subdtly in an obvious way. (Oxymorons for everyone)

And so as the class concludes, so does this post.

From the way things are shaping up, expect at least weekly Wednesday entries from this computer lab.

Maybe next week, we’ll learn how to make new folders in Windows Explorer.

*Crosses fingers.

to be frosh again.

So that consistent string of posts sure lasted a good two weeks. You could thank George Brown for that. Fresh off squeaking my way to an arts and science degree, I’m off to a two-year stint in some Information Technology. If you’ve read our about us section, you would know about my old passion for computers. In fact four years ago, I was in a Computer Science program – Java and mathematical proofs ended that pretty quick. So thereafter I found myself in an arts program I stuck with to finish. And now that’s done, here I am again. So in some sense, this is my opportunity for redemption (and yes this time it’s personal).

What’s being a freshman like the second time around? Not much different. I never really paid much attention to the scare tactics each professor seems to have in emphasizing the workload involved in their particular course. Nor into their lectures about how this isn’t high school anymore and everything is now on our shoulders. I guess it was something I never needed to be told. School’s harder now, I get it (and not to mention exponentially more expensive).

What’s different? The environment. It’s definitely like I’m back in high school again. And I’m not sure whether I mean that as a complement or insult. Kids blaring music, students wandering the halls, and even lockers on the walls. It’s like I went back in time. And as much as the instructors have stressed the increased responsibility of being a post-high-school student, they seem to do a lot of hand-holding. Spending hours explaining every little facet of a course syllabus, even going as far as spending close to two hours talking about what book to buy, and even about how to log-on to the course web site was a little much. And I guess maintaining an attendance sheet that doesn’t “officially” affect your final grade just speaks to this babying. Whatever happened to the pick up the syllabus and go, first class mentality? It sure would have made this past week go by a lot quicker – I don’t think I’ve had a daily-class schedule since high school. A ten-hour Wednesday? George Brown, you’re better than that.

There are also more douche bags than I remember. (I’ll let Anthony expand on that)

So what do the next two years look like? Much like the last four, except for the fact that this time around I actually have a natural interest in what I’m studying. Whether that results in a consistent class attendance, and effort is still up in the air. If you’ve been reading the posts up to now, you’d know that I’m all about translating minimal effort into maximum rewards. And hey, it’s gotten me to this point…

So yes, a change is necessary.