I'm Too Old to Be Good at Games

Recently, Namco Bandai released an iPhone version of Pac Man Championship Edition and even though it's one of my favorite games I was not interested in buying it because I knew that it wouldn't control as well as it's big brother on the 360. However when the iPhone version went on sale for a buck this past weekend, I couldn't pass it up. I can't pass up anything for a buck on the iPhone really anyway(I AM T-PAIN IS A BUCK RIGHT NOW GET IT).

I have been playing Pac Man CE on the iPhone more than I had planned. They did a really good job adjusting the controls to make it work on iPhone. They give you extra power pellets and they borked the dot patterns to compensate for the lack of control, so you can manage to get some satisfaction from playing it. Once it speeds up though it becomes impossible to play but one could argue the same thing about the 360 version.

My point to all of this is I have become obsessed with getting the high score on my leaderboard on the 360 version. All I want to do lately is play Pac Man so I can get that high score. The Championship Mode high score on my leaderboard is somewhere around the 340,000's. The highest I've scored so far is somewhere in the 280,000's. Another thing that has inspired me is that the person who owns the record feels threatened by me. He is near the top of all the leaderboards except for 3 out of the 6 modes. I am ahead of him in 3 of the 6 modes. Still he holds it over my head that I don't have the high score in Championship Mode.

I've watched videos trying to learn some strategies, and everyday I've increased my high score, but I cannot seem to crack 300k. Some of my runs start off really well and then once I get to the end, the game is moving way too fast for me. Once I hit around 250k I crumble. I crumble repeatedly. It gets frustrating after awhile. Knowing that you're wasting a good run fucking sucks.

I've started to ice my thumb. I'm experiencing serious pain in my left hand. Still I press on. My head aches. My eyes are spinning...

If only I were 10 years old again I could easily manage to break 400k in this game. I was the only person I knew that could pass the bike level in Battletoads. All my friends hated that game because no one could get past that level. I was the only one who was like, "Dude that game is so good. Have you done the snake level? It's freaking awesome." No one knew what I was talking about. "Bike Level? That's hella easy." I could beat Contra on the NES without the code. There's no way I could do any of those things now. Mega Man? Psssh. Not anymore.

My confidence is wavering now. I'm a year away from 30 and I'm sad because I can't game like I used to. I remember earlier in the year screaming at the TV while playing Street Fighter IV. "How could I lose to this person? He's obviously not good!" I used to rule the arcade because I learned from all the older kids at New Park Mall. I played Street Fighter Alpha in Reno for an hour and a half on one quarter. The only reason I lost is because someone cheap threw me. It's fine though, the feat said enough to all of those people. I shouldn't have fallen for such tactics anyway, but oh well.

I'm really starting to believe that there's no way I can beat that score. It gets way too crazy at the end of the game. I'm gonna keep trying to break 300,000 but 340,000 seems so far away. My hand is killing me. I've starting thinking about when I'm even older and my hands are ravaged with arthritis and I'll have to give up gaming completely. "But Spiz, you can play Wii games without your thumb! Just waggle the remote for the win!" SHAAAADUP!

Now, back to trying to break that record.

One Honorable Mention for Best Memes of the Decade

How could I forget this one. I always use it in real life and no one knows what I'm talking about. I don't know if I'd bump anything off my list but this one holds a special place in my heart because this meme has flourished with fans of Joystiq(it's a website) and members of the JPAG.

YEAAAAAAHHHH!!!!

The Middle Distance Runner Decade in Review: Internet Memes

I have been recently watching all of the "Know Your Meme" webisodes by Rocketboom and it inspired me to kick off this blog's review of the decade. I know I'm way overdue with writing my top lists of everything but thankfully no one reads this otherwise I would have a lot of angry readers. Anyway here are my top 5 favorite memes of the decade. If you've never seen these before I encourage you to check out all the remixes and variations of these memes. I'm sure most people have seen these before.

Mad Cuddlez Episode 3: TV Has Made Me Lazy

This week Clare, Poozle, and Spiz start talking about the end of the decade. Sad. This episode we focus on the television of the decade. We also discuss why 500 Days of Summer sucked. That topic leads into the best movies of every year except this one because we couldn't really come up with movies we've seen this year. Don't forget to get your list for the Songs of the Decade in by Friday, December 11th as we will be discussing that in an upcoming episode. Thanks for listening. Subscribe to the show in the iTunes Music Store, email questions and comments to madcuddlez@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter(@Spizarelli,@finethanksokay,@oksurewhatever) and keep reaching for the stars.

Songs in this Episode

"Baby Can't Stop" Linstrom & Christabelle

"Bad Romance" Lady GaGa

"Bits and Pieces" Junior Boys

"Big Girl" Ghostface

"To Kingdom Come" Passion Pit

iTunes

Direct Download

madcuddlez@gmail.com

Suprisingly Boring Twitter Feeds

So it's been a week since I joined the tweeting masses and I sorta went overboard with following anyone and everyone I could think of. I've come across some Twitterers that I thought were going to make me laugh, or think, or react, but have sadly caused me to move on past their little updates. Here are a few:

Bob Saget

I was hoping for some funny jokes or some profane commentary, but all he does is talk about how great the events are that he's attending. He promotes his appearances, and he interacts with his followers, but not really anything funny there in his updates. I guess he's saving all that for the shows. No free comedy on Twitter. Unfollowing...now.

Teagan Presley

I decided on day one that I'm going to follow porn stars. I was too afraid to join porn star fan clubs on MySpace and Facebook, but for whatever reason I said, "Whatever, fuck it" when it comes to Twitter. To be honest, most porn star Twitter feeds are pretty boring. They go shoot, they come home, they go to sleep, repeat. Occasionally you'll get some iPhone pics of them and their goodies which is cool. Teagan sticks out in my mind, not because she is boring, but she's just really annoying to read. All she does is talk about how great her husband and kids are. She talks about how much better of a man her husband is than all other men. She talks about how she picks up her kids from various activities. Can there be no bigger turn off for a porn viewer than a porn star talking non-stop about her husband and kids? I think not. She did post some pics for the first time yesterday since I started following her, but I don't know if that will be enough to keep me following her.

Zooey Deschanel

One fucking tweet? GAH It's not fair. =(

I mean she's not even following anyone. Why open an account?

C'MON...

That last one was kind of a cop out. I'm the idiot for not unfollowing her. I'm hoping that one day she'll get on the ball and talk about how great the spaghetti that Ben Gibbard made was.

I guess that's all. Just those three. Which is pretty good considering I'm following 126 people after only one week of joining. For the most part Twitter is amazing. It's the people that make it so amazing. Awww, group hug.

The Made Cuddlez Podcast Episode 2: Carl's Jr Beats Mom's Burgers

Wonderful fast food anger, public transportation anger, and a whole lot of Pierre ranting. The Mad Cuddlez Songs of the Decade is discussed, I hate Lego Rock Band(though my opinion has changed slightly) and The Mad Cuddlez Podcast welcomes JJ to the mic as he tell about moving to the BK. And about how HAWT his neighbor is. Please subscribe to the show on iTunes, email us questions and comments at madcuddlez@gmail.com. Get your submissions for the Songs of the Decade in by December 4th. Spread the Mad Cuddlez!

Direct Download
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Links

Muni Lady

Bistek

Taylor Swift Band Hero Commercial

JJ's Blog

Songs in this episode:
Could You - Daniel Merriweather
C.R.E.A.M - El Michels Affair

Oxford Comma - Vampire Weekend

P.Y.T. - Michael Jackson

I Wanna Get Married - De Cylinder

Four Track - The Misled Children and Odean Pope

Don't - Mirah

When to Flex Your Muscle?

Everyone is an expert at something. Personally I pride myself in following the video game industry. I try to play everything that I can, I visit message boards, and I wear t-shirts with Mario and Link on them. When I need medical advice, I ask my wife . We have the unofficial King of Useless Information right here on this blog, so whenever I need useless information, I go to him.

Are you the kind of person that feels compelled to correct someone? I mean, if you know something and someone doesn't know something or states something incorrectly, do you feel like it's your duty to correct them? I experienced a situation like this today at school. Someone mentioned Modern Warfare 2 today and of course, I became the center of attention because I am the gamer of the group. I didn't have much to say about the game because I haven't played it yet, but I mentioned that MW2 now featured customizable kill streaks and that you could drop a nuke during a multiplayer match if you could get a 25 kill streak which is insane. Then one of my classmates said that he got a 55 kill streak in COD4 so getting 25 should be a breeze.

I don't play the Call of Duty games that much or that well for that matter. The highest kill streak I've ever reached was 17. I really found it hard to believe that someone could get a 55 kill streak in any kind of multiplayer match(public or ranked). Maybe they happen all the time, I don't know. My point is I really just wanted to call bullshit and say, "You probably confused multiplayer with single player" or something like that. I didn't say anything though because in situations like this, where I just want to teach and nerd out about something, the first thing I think is:

"DUDE NO ONE CARES!"

No one will give a shit whether or not I correct this guy. They obviously enjoy video games, but not to the point where they follow the industry. What's the point in correcting someone if it doesn't matter to them? Also, I didn't want to shit on this guy because he was so enthusiastic talking about COD that it put a smile on my face and I wanted him to keep talking about gaming. I don't really get to nerd out about games that much in real life so I welcome any opportunity someone wants to talk games with me. I feel like my case is unique in that playing video games is such a niche thing. I'm sure that people are more keen to learn about law, or medicine, or literature, or some other more socially accepted activity. Talking about eating candy would draw more interest than me talk about games.

Anyway I was just curious to hear how people react in situations like this. Are you more inclined to teach, or correct? If not, why?

The Mad Cuddlez Songs of the Aughts

We're about to get ambitious. Pierre and I want to know want you're favorite songs of this decade are. We're going to tally up your nominations, debate, agree, disagree, and then we will reveal a list of 100 songs that defined this decade. Here are some rules when making your lists.

-No restrictions on genre. As long as you can prove that it came out this decade, go for it.

-Song must have been released this decade obviously. For now we're not allowing covers, so they won't be counted if they're on your list.

-Please number your lists. Ranking plays a big part because songs that are ranked at the top will be awarded more points than songs that are lower ranked. Lists that are not numbered will be scored like this: every song on the list will only get one point.

-Please make a list of at least 20 songs. That shouldn't be too tough. Max should be 100 but I won't stop you if you're feeling ambitious. Please don't give me like 500 songs though.

A good resource to start at is Wikipedia. Check what came out each year to get your brain going. I don't have a deadline for this yet, but it'll probably be a month from now. Then we will reveal the list at some point before New Year's. Depending on the participation, we might do more lists, like movies, games, etc but for now we're sticking to music. Email your lists at madcuddlez@gmail.com Thanks doodes.

Paranormal Activity and Why I Don't Bother with the Horror Genre

So Andrea wanted to do something Halloweenish for Halloween and what's more Halloweenish than watching a scary movie on Halloween night? For the most part I don't really watch Halloween movies. Don't get me wrong, I love gore, but I find it silly to watch something that does nothing but startle you. There's a difference between fear and being startled. I'm sure that there are pretty cool horror movies that focus on story and gore, and not just doing the monster closet thing, but I just don't bother searching through all the crap.

Anyway, watching Paranormal Activity had to be one of the funnest movie experiences I've had this year. Not the funnest, but I really enjoyed myself. The whole premise of the movie is that some smart ass thought it would be awesome to document via video camera the demon spirit that has been haunting his current girlfriend since she was a kid. Every night he sets up a camera in their bedroom before they go to sleep, and while they sleep all this funny ass shit happens. Lights turn on and off, doors open and close. It gets progressively worse, and I don't want to spoil too much but I really just started laughing my ass off as the movie got closer to the end. Maybe I'll talk more about my favorite part in the next podcast, but I won't spoil it here. The male protagonist continues to taunt this demon by demanding it show itself, by buying a Ouija board to try to communicate with it, and in the end he learns his lesson. Don't fuck with demons.

The whole idea that people in the theater around me, including Andrea, was buying into this shit was ridiculous. It was hard not to get invested I guess because the two main characters were so likable. The man was funny, charming, and a lovable idiot. The woman was a cute girl next door with a craft table who liked to read. Very approachable characters. Sure some of the stuff that happened was extremely freaky, but I could not ignore the sounds of fright coming from the audience, especially one woman in particular. Thank GAWD that woman was there that night to keep me entertained. She kept saying, "Oh hell no!" "If I was that bitch, I'd get the fuck outta that house!" "If that motha fuckin' demon walks in the bedroom one more time I swear I will leave." Thank you vociferous woman for making that movie entertaining. I was worried to because the movie starts off really slow and lately I've had a tendency to fall asleep during movies in the theater(except for Zombieland because that movie fucking ruled). I also entertained myself by taking pleasure in the fact that Andrea was terrified and I refused to let her use my hand so that she could cover her eyes. I told her, "Why did you spend 12 bucks(12 BUCKS) on a movie if you're just gonna sit here and not watch it?" "Fuck that," I said.

Also

I just want to remind everyone that the entire basis of this blog was for anyone who wanted to contribute could do so. This was meant to be a public domain for anyone to write a letter to someone. Could be someone that reads this blog, could be a letter that was never meant to be read, etc. That's where the whole correspondence thing originates from. I wanted it to be a long formed message board where people could communicate. I also use it for other things. I'm trying to write reviews as much as possible because I still have hope that I can freelance write somewhere and I'd like to have a nice portfolio I can show off.

Anyway, I'm asking for people who want to contribute to this. I'm not going to be snobbish about it at all. All that I ask is that you put something here. It'll keep me honest too. I have to do my part also. Write to us. Someone will respond. Post your art, post your Youtube links, post your mixtapes. Let's share. I think everyone will benefit. Thank you.

Sorry I Haven't Been Around

I promised on last week's podcast to try to write more for this blog. I guess I've been distracted with other things. It's funny because I wanted to do a podcast to support the blog, but all of my attention has been on making a podcast every two weeks or so. I'm going to try my darnedest to write something here daily from now on. Whether it be random thoughts like this or a review of something I meant to review 3 months ago. Something will be up here daily.

I guess I should bring you up to speed on what's been going on with me. I spend most of my days thinking about school and playing with my new cats. First, school has been wonderful. I always told myself that I shouldn't go back to school unless I'm seriously interested in the subject, to the point that I actually do not just homework, but extracurricular activities, as well as supplemental reading. I have been doing all of these things. Working in the sound industry somewhere is something I cannot wait to do. Everyday there are new light bulbs being turned on inside of my head, and that's the best feeling. I mentioned this on Facebook but we're looking for bands to record either this month or next month. You would have to come to Sacramento(obviously) but yeah, free recording if you're interested.

I've had Buster for almost three months now. It seems longer. I love waking up with him next to me. We just got our new cat, Panthro a few days ago, and he seems to be getting along fine with Buster. At first, Buster was the more aggressive one, but I notice that Panthro is becoming more aggressive, and Buster has become more timid. He doesn't purr as much anymore when I pet him or carry him. When they're not play fighting though, they sit and lay together which is awesome. We'll be taking them to the bay this weekend to meet Andrea's mom's cats.

Other than that, it's the same shit with me. Still can't sleep, still playing games, still on Facebook way too much. I'm considering starting a Twitter account. Gotta get with the times you know. Sacramento is still meh, but school is a welcome distraction. Anyway, thanks for reading. Again, I feel terrible for not writing in here as much as I should, but I know that few people read this, and I'm just writing this for me. I'm doing this podcast for me. I like doing it.

Anyone keeping up with porn stars? I'm looking for new ones and I don't know where to start.

Miami Horror - Sometimes

Sometimes from Miami Horror on Vimeo.

maybe top 20 song of this year?

Kiss the Bottle by Jawbreaker

another typhoon, another day in the ghost town i called home.
this song was a typical day for me in 2008, and i'm finally awake.

The Mad Cuddlez Podcast Episode One: Hate and Hugs

We debut the new podcast, and...you know what I'm not going to lie. It's the same show. But BETTER! With a new and improved name. This week Spiz does a surprising amount of hating and ranting, and P just goes with it. We talk, we play music, we answer feedback. Thank you for supporting the show. If you'd like to ask a question or state your displeasure about something, email us at madcuddlez@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to the show in iTunes. Thanks mang!

Direct Download

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Songs in this episode:

Deanie Parker and The Valadors - "My Imaginary Guy"
Phoenix - "If I Ever Feel Better"
Queen - "Somebody to Love"
Radiohead - "House of Cards"
Raekwon feat. Cappadonna and Ghostface "10 Bricks"
Guillemots - "Made Up Love Song #43"

fun with omegle

Connecting to server...

You're now chatting with a random stranger. Say hi!

Stranger: hey

You: hello

Stranger: asl?

You: american sign language

You: that's easy

You: next acronym

Stranger: who

You: world health organization

Stranger: cdc

You: damnit

You: i was gonna google it

Stranger: nambla

You: north american man boy love assoc.

You: 3-for-4

Stranger: not bad

You: yeah thats like a c

You: +

Your conversational partner has disconnected.

inudge.com

helped me make this beat for fun, simple timekillin bullsquid.

ILOVEIT

While Playing Some Online Poker

I have left their names in because I don't give a fuck. Your name deserves to be out there for being idiots.

Marrex Geron: nice full hawz

Lee Yang: you spelled it wrong dude

Marrex Geron: im moron

Lee Yang: orly

HEY! STUPID! Don't correct someones grammar if you are unable to use grammar correctly yourself. IT'S OH, REALLY?

FB NOTE

1. My ex is still...
living it up.

2. I am listening to...
Sea Wolf

3.Maybe I should...
study for my test or play Halo ODST.

4. I love...
the wifey, BUSTER, video games, and Bears football.

5. My bestfriend(s)...
needs mad cuddles.

6. I don't understand...
why I stink at First Person Shooters.

7. I lost my respect for...
I have no idea who I have lost respect for. It's harsh to say that. I just stop liking things.

8. I miss...
Chicago.

9. The meaning of my screen name is...
c'mon, errbody knows bout Spizarelli.

10. Love is...
patience. That shit's in the Bible.

11. Somewhere, someone is...
eating dinner.

12. I will always...
fucking rule.

13. Forever seems like...
something I don't want to think about.

14. I never ever want to lose....
BUSTER

15. My mobile phone is...
full of stupid apps.

16. When I wake up in the morning...
I look at Facebook on my iPhone.

17. I get annoyed at...
anyone who is as annoying as I am.

18. Parties are...
the only thing to look forward to in life.

19. My pets...
BUSTER

20. Kisses are...
acts that make me feel loved.

21. Today I...
had my first workshop in the studio and it was so exciting. Then I drank a lot of Mountain Dew Voltage.

22. I really want...
a PS3 and a modest recording studio.

Bondy bondy bondy

my name james bond jimmy to my mother, i eat vindaloo and watch scatman carruthers
im bond baby im bond
my name james bond my neighbor julio calls me word is bond i drink martinis and i do
fine women and my hair very nice, james bond -- classic classy classic goldeneye was a game
where i pow pow pow some dudes and some broads and my name james bond jb mad flava

The Correspondence Cast Episode 12: Lykki Like What You Lykki Like

This is officially the last episode of the Correspondence Cast. Sad I know, but we'll all just have to move along with our lives. In this episode, Pierre will turn on his brand new robot Fontelroy and he wanted to talk about how he is no longer a racist robot. Also in the show we read your emails, talk circumcision, and about how awesome technology is. Thanks for listening, as usual you can subscribe and review our show in the iTunes music store, email questions and comments to madcuddlez@gmail.com. We'll see you....never again.

Songs in this episode:

LUST FOR LIFE-GIRLS

SEE YOU-KOUSHIK

THE MODERN AGE-THE STROKES

ELECTRIC BLUE-MARS&MYSTRE

LA COSTA BRAVA-TED LEO&THE PHARMACISTS
BIGGIE&MILEY-PARTY AND BULLSHIT IN THE USA

Direct Download

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out of curiosity

how has life changed for the better, like positive things, since the recession hit?

c-blocking myself

roygbivdevoe1980 (3:08:03 PM): and then we find a place and sit down
roygbivdevoe1980 (3:08:05 PM): and we share mentos
roygbivdevoe1980 (3:08:10 PM): and i wake up and i try to go back to sleep
roygbivdevoe1980 (3:08:13 PM): but no avail
stubborn tenpin (3:08:39 PM): yeah you always wake up from those kinds of dreams
roygbivdevoe1980 (3:08:55 PM): so horrid
roygbivdevoe1980 (3:09:03 PM): it was anticlimactic pun intended
stubborn tenpin (3:09:21 PM): lol
roygbivdevoe1980 (3:12:11 PM): i shouldve drafted elizabeth shue in our dream draft

yayer

SALLY SHAPIRO/MEGA MAN WHAAAA

If You're Bored, and You Have a Camera

Take pictures on a regular day in your life. No weekend excursions. Just bring your camera to work or school, and if it's okay, just snap pictures. Snap pictures at the dinner table. Then post them on Facebook, or email them to madcuddlez@gmail.com. I'd like to see what everyone's day is like. I'm definitely doing this on Monday.

Correspondence Cast Episode 11: An 80's Dogbath with The Skweeze

We continue the 80's conversation, and I just stuff this episode with people. I got Poozle, the sister Clare, the husband Omega, and a little Brooklyn CJooks to season on top. It sounds a little crowded at times, so I apologize. We go over comments from our Facebook friends. We got so many that I had to read them all because I appreciate all of the input. We love our fans. After all that though, we end up Googling porn stars, and then it gets really bad after that. Podcast nights always end like that, but hopefully you're into that so thanks for listening! You can subscribe to the show in the iTunes music store, and you can email us with questions, and comments at madcuddlez@gmail.com. Tell a friend yo!  

Tracks in this episode: Prince - "I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man"

Zapp and Roger - "Doo Wa Ditty" 

Hall and Oates - "I Can't Go For That" 

Cyndi Lauper - "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" 

The Police - "Don't Stand So Close To Me" 

Freezepop - "Jem"

Direct Download

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Correspondence Cast Episode 10: 20th Century Hangover

"If memory serves me right..." I was channeling the original chairman of Iron Chef. You know, the guy who was actually Japanese, not his Filipino nephew on Iron Chef America. Anyway, I was inspired by an amazing 80's themed party to do a show about the 80's. The idea got so big that it had to be broken up into two shows. In this episode, I interview a new member of the Correspondence crew. Reppin' the Illadelph, it's my new internet friend Mopey. You'll get his lovely take on the decade, plus a little wackiness in-between, as usual. If you like the show, please subscribe in the iTunes music store, check out the blog at runningcorrespondence.blogspot.com, and you can now email the show at madcuddlez@gmail.com. Spread the word! All 40 of you.

Tracks in this episode:

Misfits "Hybrid Moments"
Huey Lewis and the News "If This is It"
The Promise Ring "Living Around"
The Keys "I Don't Wanna Cry"
Michael Jackson "Off the Wall"

Direct Download

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Email the Show

BEFORE I SAY ANYTHING

who wants a shirt?

The Correspondence Cast EMAIL ADDRESS

We have an email address, where you can email comments, and questions about the show. So listeners, let us know you're listening by dropping us a line at madcuddlez@gmail.com. Episode 10 is gonna drop soon, so look for that joint.

the dumbest girl i ever touched

the dumbest girl i ever touched
felt like velvet and smelled like
what a perfect sunday morning
can only wish to smell like.

she was exotic, despised narcotics
but indulged me as much as i
wished to patronize her and her words
and her dress that was inches too short.

and when i slept in her bed
she would hold me so tight
she never got the chance to
feel me like i felt us climax.

and when she would wash the dishes
i would read her shelley and i would
sing her t-pain and she would hum along
when she moved onto ironing my pants.

to her i was a pharaoh and to me she was
my countrymen and we both believed
in our hearts we were frauds and tricksters,
constantly trying to remember our own lies.

today the sky is as blue as dorian gray's eyes
and the smell of sunday morning is as faded
as the painting of dorian gray's eyes and my
father's hands are calloused; this is my

inheritance.

she would question her thoughts,
and when i corrected her she would
laugh like a thief getting caught. we
would argue and she was always right.

when i hugged the dumbest girl
who ever touched me, she smartened
up. her grip loosened. her eyes glistened,
she smiled and i'm sure the revelation
felt like childbirth; she felt me for the first time

and
the dumbest boy who ever touched her
had nothing to say.

The Best Feeling I've Had in AH-WH-ile

Messing around with the drum track on "Nude" by Radiohead. Trying to use a compressor to increase the sound floor. I was struggling with trying to get it right, randomly turning knobs, and watching a monitor with no idea what these lines and red jumping balls meant on the screen. Somehow, I got the compressor to open how I wanted, and then I turned it up, and the cymbals sounded like Phil Selway was hitting them right in front of me. It wasn't the perfect use of a compressor. Granted, the track had already been mixed, and turning up the gain created a noticeable amount of tape hiss, but it was just amazing to affect sound to make it sound a little more sweeter. I really think I made the right choice by going back to school to study audio. Su-pa Ge-nius.

Read My Homework

Compare and Contrast Recording Techniques in Two Songs from Different Eras

I thought it would be fun to compare one of my favorite bands from the late 60's/early 70's to what I think is the quintessential modern pop artist. I am going to compare "Pale Blue Eyes" by The Velvet Underground to the number one song on iTunes right now, which is "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus. Though they are completely different in terms of style, these two songs were recorded far enough that they show how much recording technology has advanced from the late 60's to now.

First, I will look at "Party in the USA." The song begins with guitars that sound so clean, and the body of the sound stretches. Once Miley starts singing, I notice that her voice is auto-tuned, but it's less obvious than something that Kanye or T-Pain would do. There is just enough auto-tune to keep Miley on pitch. Also, I hear 808 basslines in the background, tambourine, or sleigh bells accompanied by these synths that roll up and down in pitch, like something is being torn. I want to say that the synths remind me of Hard NRG which is a style of dance music, except slower obviously. I think there is actual bass guitar coupled with harmonic frequencies on top, but it could be merely synths. These synths become more prominent during the chorus. In fact, it feels like everything gets turned up during the chorus. Miley's voice is doubled to create harmonies, and some phasing occurs which causes her voice to echo. The song builds, constantly shifting focus from instrument to instrument. Overall, I think the creators of the song have taken techniques, and ideas that have become really popular in recent times, to make a song that cannot help but sound so manufactured, and yet they have put the focus on sounds, and frequencies that are so pleasant to my ear that it feels easy to overlook all of the manipulation of the sound.

Finally, I will talk about "Pale Blue Eyes" by The Velvet Underground. This song could not be more opposite of "Party in the USA." First off, the volume is significantly lower compared to "Party in the USA." I think it was mentioned in class that back in the day, recordings were much quieter, and not as full in terms of sound clarity than more modern recordings. In the recording that I listened to, I noticed that the lead guitar was playing into the right speaker, and the left speaker was playing organ. That remained constant through the entire song. I'm not sure if that means it was recorded in mono, but I know for a fact that the vinyl copy I have says it was a stereo recording. Everything else, like vocals, tambourine, and bass were being played in both sides. There isn't any doubling on the vocals. It's just Lou Reed almost singing monotone. The loudest parts of the song are definitely the bass, and the guitar, with the organ being slightly quieter than everything else. This rarely changes, maybe only slightly during the guitar solo, but hardly noticeable. It's difficult to notice more than that in this song compared to Miley's track. Everything in "Pale Blue Eyes" just seems to have been put in place, possibly some fine-tuning took place, but it all feels very natural. The instruments sound what they're supposed to sound like, and Lou Reed sounds like he's actually singing because his voice waivers, and fades. This track is an excellent example of not only how music was recorded in the past, but The Velvet Underground were all about doing provocative, and interesting music with as minimal sound, or volume as possible.

SMELLS LIKE BS NO?

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Correspondence Cast Episode 9: Dizzy in Beat Sounds wouldn't eat Daffy Duck

We worked diligently to create a proper outline for this week's episode, but then we started drinking a lot, and that outline quickly went out the window. We somehow ended up doing a cartoon draft, and we mention our friend Don way too many times. Hopefully his legion of Facebook fans will assemble to make this the most downloaded show ever. WE'LL SEE. As usual, thank you very much for listening. If you like the show, please subscribe to the show in the iTunes Music Store, and don't forget to tell a friend. You are appreciated!

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Another fucking flowchart.

Our Podcast is Hot

I just checked the stats on our podcast, and in one week our last episode has almost hit 40 downloads which is what we normally do in one month, so I just want to say thanks for listening, and for the support. Let us know that you love the show by leaving questions or comments on the blog. Thanks dudes, and dudettes!

Dead Space(The Real Game of 2008?)

Summer is the finest time to catch up on games that you might have missed last year, and I have been playing a lot of great stuff this summer. I cannot remember the last time I've wanted, and yearned to keep playing a game as much as I did while playing Dead Space. Usually when I receive a game from Gamefly it takes me a week or two to get bored, but I played through Dead Space in three days, and have already started a second play through. It's really not that long, but it takes me forever to finish games, so I was completely shocked to have finished it so quickly. I try to avoid scary games because I don't like to get scared, but it's not really that scary. There are just a lot of cheap scares, but Dead Space is a fresh, and engrossing experience that I would love to relive again. I don't have to say that the game looks amazing, but the things that really stuck out were the sound effects, the combat, and the interface of the game.

Most people tend to forget about how important sound is in a game, but in Dead Space it is very difficult not to notice it. Faint whispers coming out of the distance, the creaks of a spaceship, the sound of shooting a pistol in the vacuum of space. At times I stopped depending on my eyes, and I would try to just listen to anything I could hear to help me determine if there was an alien mutant around the corner, but even my ears deceived me, so I ended up just being on edge the entire time.

The combat is a little different from most conventional third person shooters. Instead of just pumping enemies full of lead, or focusing on head shots, the game actually punishes you for doing those things by releasing many tinier alien enemies that get all over the place, and are really fast, hence making them really tough to kill. The fastest way to kill enemies is by dismemberment. Careful aiming is critical to survival, so that's a nice little mechanic that the developers came up with. Things got really bad when like 5 enemies would surround me because I would just scream, and shoot my pistol almost in a blind mess, but using your Stasis power, which slows down enemies, and objects, really helps you focus on shooting limbs off.

The way the developers integrated all of the menu's, life bars, and weapon meters into the environment of the game was so sick. Once you start your game, the only noticeable loading time is in-between levels, so you are in this gargantuan abandoned space ship the entire time. There is no pausing to go into and out of menus. Your inventory menu, and map are all on a "Minority Report" style interactive touch screen that pops up in front of your character. The fact that the game never pauses also works to your detriment because you can be attacked while looking at your map, or your items so I was annoyed at times because I would try to heal while fighting enemies. I didn't know until after I finished the game that there are hot keys for healing, and refilling your Stasis meter, so I guess I was making it harder than it should have been. Anyway I just really liked that the developers really focused on not taking you out of the experience.

I would easily put Dead Space into my top 5 of 2008, but I struggle with the idea that it was the best game of last year. I'm stupid because I think more is better. I know that more is not always better. Can I really say that Dead Space was better than Fallout 3? Left 4 Dead had probably the least content of all the games in my top 10, and it took the number one spot. Well, Dead Space was easily better than GTA IV. It was stupid to put that game at number two, but like I was saying, at the time I thought, "Ehh, it was alright, but there was so much content, I put in so many hours, yadda yadda yadda." Yeah, the game took me 9 hours to beat, but there was so much there in terms of gameplay, and experience. Definitely Dead Space is in the conversation for best game of last year, and everyone should play it. Especially now that it's almost a year old, and you can pick it up for $20 at most stores.

My impersonation of Monday

Evie Sands - Estate of Mind

Classic blue-eyed soul.
http://www.sendspace.com/file/8otjat

California, what's up

California, look me in the eyes.
Stand up, Redwood trees
and the saplings filled with hope
to obtain thousands of leaves.

Take a look at your sons
and your daughters
where a drought is as certain
as running water.

With the Spicoli stereotype
and the birth of Soul On Ice.
Where Chaplin made a living
like Ice Cube does in another city.

Where Polly Klaas kept me
awake at night.
Emperor Norton
made sense sometimes.

Ask us questions
and we have the answers.
The people
that you born have mattered.

Woody Guthrie's guitar,
the opening bars
of Amerikkka's Most Wanted.

Cesar Chavez is more
than just a middle school.
Watts is more than just
a setting in a rap song.

California, look me in
the eyes when
we talk to you.

THE GE SMITH IMPERSONATOR

So, like, I'm this G.E. Smith impersonator. You don't know who that is? Well, I'm not exactly a hot commodity. But I'm good and I'm talented. Well, G.E. is, not me. I guess by attachment I am as well.

G.E. Smith was the lead guitarist for Hall and Oates and was musical director for Saturday Night Live for awhile. Yep, you guessed my job research includes Wikipedia. Real cool job, not many gigs. And it's not like G.E. Smith is unpopular it's just that he's not really someone you need an impersonator for. But you know, it's ok.

People ask me why I am a G.E. Smith impersonator and I tell them it's because I look like him. Because I really do. People have told me at certain (very rare) times that I look like this dude on TV. And I say okay, G.E. Smith?

And I don't know, it's like a 30/70 chance that they are aware of who I am (or who I look like) but it's still cool. Being G.E. Smith is like breathing.

So I'm sitting here, just being me - Brutus Birnbaum - while being G.E. Smith and I tell you sometimes I really get into character and it's cool because he leads such a private life that you don't really have to do an impersonation, you just assume he does certain things. One day I assumed he really liked those pizza rolls so I imagine like myself doing pizza roll commercials.

I once watched tiny molecules, or was really into the study of anything at the cellular level. I loved how the shape of squamous epithelium was so sinewy. That is my dream job. To just find the true Book of Genesis in a glassplate under a microscope.

There was a day in my life when I had woken up, thinking about waking up. Acting on my waking up and marching to Point A and then Point B and then yes here and here. And that was the day I became a G.E. Smith impersonator.

Damn These McDonald's Angus Burger Commercials

I really want to go right now. Nothing's stopping except my will.

THE CORRESPONDENCE CAST 8: Ya Sleep on Usss...Ya Sleep 4evaa...

Strap in kids, this joint is mad long. The longest in Correspondence Cast history in fact. We had to make up for being on hiatus. Lots of rambling. Pierre defends T-Pain(twice), Philadelphia the game, comic strips, and Clare stops by to add a womanly touch to the whole show. The episode 1 crew is back! Shout out to all the peoples who have been listening/reading. You can leave a comment or question here if you'd like, and go to the iTunes store and subscribe to our show. Tell a friend! Thanks for listening.

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So You Think You Can Dance Final

I really wanted to live blog the finale, but thanks to some ghetto fuck face I don't have a laptop anymore. I fancied the idea of running back, forth from the wifey's room to the TV room, but whatever. I thought I wouldn't like it because it was a 2 hour show, and you know, typical reality competition finales are just clip shows of the past season. However, I was really pleased because they basically had all the dancers come back to perform some of the best routines of the season. Sounds like a clip show actually, but it was a live clip show. Heh? Eh? Anyway check out the finale if you can.

I'm really glad Jeanine won. She is very versatile, strong, and danced every style well. She was my second favorite girl, which brings me to my point. Everybody knows that Janette should have won. Despite how versatile Jeanine was, Janette was the reason I kept coming back to the show. I wanted to see what she was going to do next. I don't know what the fuck happened with the voting, but my guess was that a lot of Janette's fans were thinking how I was thinking. "Eh, I don't need to vote. How can Jannette not win?" I never ever vote when it comes to reality competitions, and I hate it when someone tells me that bullshit about, "Your Vote Matters" or whatever. My vote would not have been worth two flying fucks. I alone could not have saved Jannette. Look, I don't know shit about dancing, but a few of the judges even said that Janette was their favorite, and were shocked as I was when she got sent home. If these professional dancers, and choreographers say she was the best then I'm not fucking crazy. Anyway, I enjoyed watching this show, but I hate how I always leave a little fucking disappointed. Same thing happened with Idol this season. Like I said though, Jeanine was my second favorite so I can take some satisfaction in her winning the competition.

Winner Jeanine

Janette, who should have won, dancing with 2nd place winner Brandon

Wii Sports Resort

I have been looking forward to this sequel since it was announced. I shelled out the money to buy that game and an extra accelerometer dildo attachment for my wife in case she wanted to get in on the wiggle waggle fest that is Wii Sports Resort. Even though this sequel gives you even more addicting mini-games to play with, I do not think it has revitalized my interests in anything Wii. I will say that I have been playing this game alone, and that is probably why I've gotten bored of the game so quickly. This game was meant to be played at a party, and there is no such thing as a one man party. I do not care how fun you are as a person. I'm a fucking blast, and I could not keep the party going so I do not know what to tell you.

Let's talk about what I like about the game. Adding the Wii Motion Plus really works. All of your motions match up to what's happening on screen. Finally you can sword fight with Wii Remotes, and it actually works. You slash from right to left, up and down, diagonally, any which way, and it works great. In the first Wii Sports, no matter how you swung the remote, your character on-screen did the exact same motion every time. Although Baseball was not included in Resort, I imagine the possibilities of adding much more swing depth to baseball games. You could swing for the opposite field, pull the ball, etc. In short, Wii Motion Plus is a great addition to the controller. Too bad it was not there to begin with, but whatever. I'm sure they will start bundling it with the system. I hope.

In terms of game selection, it's hit and miss, but I do appreciate the fact that they gave you 12 games from the start which is a huge increase from the first game's 5 games. Bowling and golf make a return, and I'm really glad they did decide to bring those games again. The WMP really helps fix some of the problems that I had with golf and bowling. For example, Bowling offered little challenge to me because I could just hold the Wii remote palms inward, and with proper timing, I could unrealistically hook the ball well enough to hit strikes every time. Now, because your control is 1 to 1, throwing the ball like that will create free eats for the gutter. You really have to focus on technique.

Some of the new games I enjoyed are Frisbee, Basketball, and everyone's darling, Swordplay. I forgot to mention that each game has 2 or 3 sub games. In Frisbee, you can play the regular mode where you have to accurately throw frisbee's to your dog that chases after them. There is also a Frisbee Golf Mode where you can play a full 18 holes. It's nice that Nintendo tried to flush out the experience. Basketball is my guilty pleasure. There isn't much to it. You're shooting in a three point contest, but I really enjoy the feeling of getting into a rhythm, sinking basket after basket. It's rough when you miss a few, and you frantically try to scramble, and fix your technique. Swordplay will be the game that everyone will get into at a party though. Who can't into frantically swinging plastic remotes? I can do without some games though, like Wakeboarding where all you do is hold the remote as if you were holding onto the rope when you're wakeboarding, and all you do is flick your hands upward and then keep them straight for the landing. Not really much to it. Biking was not that fun either as you are basically doing pedaling motions with your hands. They should have made it hand biking or something. I don't hate it just because of that. The bikes aren't that great to control, so that's not really fun.

Overall I'm pleased with the game, but Nintendo could have given us so much more. Nintendo fans constantly complain about the lack of online play, but honestly we shouldn't be surprised that it was left out of another first party title. The least they could have done was online leaderboards, but oh well. I would suggest if you own a Wii, or if you loved the first game that you should definitely buy it, but if you're a lone gamer I wouldn't recommend it. The remotes are packed away where they always are collecting dust, but hopefully I can invite some people over to shake some plastic.

I Can't Own a Pet! What was I thinking?

I can't find the cat I was taking care of. She has been really nervous, and uncomfortable the entire time that she has been here. She is used to going out, but she would not go out of my apartment our of fear. Until last night that is. She was eagerly waiting in front of the porch door. It was 1AM, but I thought, "Fuck it. She should go out. I'll be awake when she comes back." One hour, two hours, three hours. It's 4AM, and I'm outside whispering the cat's name, hoping that she can hear me. I give up because I have to take Andrea to work in the morning.

I've biked around my neighborhood for a total of two hours today. Nothing. I saw a black cat, but it was not her. I feel so down in the dumps. I have not been productive at all today. I have student loans, and health insurance issues to take care of, but before any of that I need to find the cat. I hope she comes back.

I Have Fallen In Love With the Same Woman Three Times by Ninoy Aquino

While Benigno "Ninoy" was exiled in prison; before he was murdered, before people power, before his wife was shouldered with the heart of a whole country, he wrote this poem for Corazon Aquino.

---
I have fallen in love
With the same woman three times;
In a day spanning 19 years
Of tearful joys and joyful tears.

I loved her first when she was young,
enchanting and vibrant, eternally new.
She was brilliant, fragrant,
and cool as the morning dew.

I fell in love with her the second time;
When first she bore her child and mine
always by my side, the source of my strength,
helping to turn the tide.

But there were candles to burn
the world was my concern;
while our home was her domain,
and the people were mine
while the children were hers to maintain;

So it was in those eighteen years and a day,
till I was detained; forced in prison to stay.

Suddenly she’s our sole support;
source of comfort,
our wellspring of Hope,
on her shoulders felt the burden of Life.

I fell in love again,
with the same woman the third time.
Looming from the battle,
her courage will never fade.

Amidst the hardships she has remained,
undaunted and unafraid.
She is calm and composed,
she is God’s lovely maid

My computer ate it again, so that's why I have not been blogging much lately. I have found a new machine to work on, but unfortunately it's in the wife's office, so I have not been able to blog at times that I am used to. Anyway, this is a poor excuse for my lack of updates because I have all day to write, but I have not been. I promise new articles tomorrow because I have a few things to discuss, as well as the latest episode of The Correspondence Cast that will hopefully be going up this week.

EXCLUSIVE J-DOG CORPORATION 2K9

J-Dog Corporation - J-Dog Corporation
http://sharebee.com/65f3818f

The BIGS 2

I have not been doing much other than: freaking out while looking for schools/work and playing The BIGS 2. Cooking...I've been cooking also. Yeah. Anyway, I don't know if it's because I haven't played a baseball video game since MVP Baseball 2004, or if it's really this fun of a game, but I can't stop playing The BIGS 2. I'm even considering keeping it from Gamefly which I shouldn't do because I have no job, but I can see myself playing this all summer.

I'm mostly playing the "Become a Legend" mode. You can make a character, and you take them up through the minors back to the bigs. It's pretty standard to have a create a player feature in sports games I guess, but I just like the variety of the mode. There are in-game challenges in every town you go to, with most cities ending with a game where if you win, you can take any of the players off the opposing team. I'm playing as the Cubs and it was phenomenal to see Rich Harden throw a perfect game. In a perfect world, sigh. So far I took Troy Tulowitzki off the Rockies(for defensive purposes) and Jake Peavy from the Padres(because he has a sick fastball). I got Lastings Milledge too, but I don't really use him. He's my only pinch runner. I need to pick up some relievers though.

I thought Prototype was my game of the summer, but it will probably get dethroned by The BIGS 2. It's great arcade style baseball which goes well with summer. I don't have to feel intimidated by the whole "simulation" of playing baseball. I seriously groan at the thought of trying to play a real sports game ever again. I feel like I've been left behind because I've been away from sports games for so long. All of them, particularly Madden, looks so complex now. It's good that someone is making simple and good sports games.

One last thing, the music is TERRIBLE. It's like 2K has no connections in the music scene or something. The first song that plays is "Boom" by P.O.D. That song came out in freaking 2002! Disturbed? Pass. Daughtry? Well, at least they got a band that was big within the last 2 years, but I pass them too. Soul Coughing? Really, they're still a band? Pass. The only song I like is "Oh Yeah" by The Subways I don't even like it that much, but it's like The Beatles, or Beethoven, or in my case Broken Social Scene, when compared to the rest of the soundtrack.

Great, I'm an INFJ

Ever since moving to the happiest place on earth my main goal has been to either go back to school or find a career. Since there are not many career opportunites, not just in Sacramento, but all over California, I have leaned toward going back to school. I have spent most of my week stressing in front of my computer because I have no idea what I want to do. It is sort of a life changing decision to pick a career. I have been going over various programs at everything from trade schools to universities, and nothing really has jumped out at me. Maybe that's not 100% true.

There are things I want to do in my life. Work in video games or write. I have thought of applying to be a games blogger for the Examiner but along with applying I would have to provide some evidence of my writing and all I have are these profane strung, and disorganized posts on this blog. I guess I should try to edit the posts so that they look somewhat professional, but that will take some time. Anyway I'm not keeping my hopes up that I will get that gig. That brings me back to the part where I am supposed to go to school. I do not want to do any of these things that these schools are offering certificates in. I'm pretty set on not getting another degree because I really do not want to take all of that general education stuff again.

I took this career quiz a friend suggested. It was not one of those quizzes where you answer five questions and they tell you what Happy Days character you are. It was almost 50 questions so it seemed pretty thorough. The results are supposed to tell you about your personality, and which careers are best suited for that personality. I am an INFJ. The description is pretty dead on. I like working alone, I prefer smaller circles of people, sensitive, lots of personality, etc. I have read a few sites to see which career I should pursue. The five most common careers that come up are:

Clergyman

Photographer

Alternative Health Care Practitioner

Psychologist/Psychiatrist

Writer

Blargh, really? I mean that's what I'm trying to do now! I am not really trying hard enough I guess. I told myself two days ago that if I could write articles for 6 hours a day then I'll seriously pursue writing as a career. This is my first post since making that deal with myself. It's really difficult to believe that I can write for a living with this lack of discipline. This is why I continue to look elsewhere for my future. I'm sort of leaning toward web design, but like I said my heart is not really in it. It's not too much to ask that I want a career that interests me just a little, right?

I Want A Draft Do-Over Part Two

3:Jenny Lewis(drafted 5th overall in the 3rd round)

People that know me know that I had/have a long time crush on Jenny Lewis and she has managed to stay up there in my mind. I used to blog about her incessantly on my old blog(I can't seem to search for specific posts on there but they're there). She used to be my special girl that no one knew about. I still brag to people that I saw Rilo Kiley play in a cafeteria at UC Berkeley in front of no more than 30 people. Last time I saw them they were playing a huge show at The Grand Ballroom in San Francisco. Freaking Feist opened for them. I still think shes cute and has an interesting voice, but her last few efforts have been whack. I do not regret picking her at all but I think I could have taken her later. I don't think Pierre would have taken her.

4: Gweneth Paltrow(drafted 8th overall in the 4th round)

Ok, what the fuck was I thinking? I totally dropped the ball here. Yes, Gweneth Paltrow is beat ums worthy, but I honestly could not think of anyone at the time so I panicked and she popped into my head because I just saw her on Conan. It was the first week of Conan, and I was all excited to have Conan back in my life, and there goes Gweneth Paltrow, and I think "Fuck, she looked hot with red hair in Iron Man." That was a stupid pick. For God sake she's fucking the anti-Christ. Sorry, sorry, sorry.

5: Jennifer Connelly(drafted 9th overall in the 5th round)

Kind of feel the same way about picking Jennifer Connelly as I did with picking Gweneth. Sure, I'd love to spend the evening with her, but is she top 5 worthy? I don't know. I think I was thinking about that scene in Requiem For A Dream. Also I had it bad for her after Labyrinth, but I saw that movie like 15 years ago. Questionable pick, but yeah. I blame lack of focus and preparation.

Girls I Should Have Drafted

-Veronica Belmont, host of the online show Tekzilla and Qore on the PlayStation Network

I can not believe I spaced on her. She is like a geek's dream. I could ask her about which new cell phone I should get and her cuteness rating is off the chart. Plus she could probably hook me up with a PS3 because she's tight with Sony at the moment.

-Rose Elinor Dougall(aka Rosay, formerly of The Pipettes)

My jaw hit the floor when I saw The Pipettes at a show in Chicago. Polka dots never looked so good. I dig her deep voice and her Casio keyboard skills. Rosay always sang about not wanting a nice guy. She sounded like she liked it rough, and that intimidated me a lot. I don't think I would be able to satisfy her, but hopefully that was just a persona that she was playing to benefit her image in the band. Now she's gone solo, and is taking inspiration from Angelus Silesius, whom I have never heard of, but hopefully this is a sign that she wants a nice boy like me.

-Neko Case, Amazing Musician

I should have stolen her from you Pierre. That's who I thought your first pick was going to be. I never mentioned that to you. Either her or Diane Keaton. I thought about stealing your precious Neko from you but I guess I was too busy thinking about Gweneth FUCKING Paltrow?!?! What the fuck was wrong with me?

-Ellen Page, actress

Okay, I'm losing focus again. I'm just kidding I would not draft Ellen Page. End post.

I Want A Draft Do-Over Part One

Last month, on our sweet podcast(please subscribe) Pierre and I drafted 5 fantasy beat ums. I cann only speak for myself but I did not put as much thought into it as I should have. If given the opportunity I would still beat those girls, but after thinking about it for a month I'd like to recognized some terrible omissions. First here was my draft in it's original state.

1: Zooey Deschanel(picked #1 overall)

I am not second-guessing this pick at all. She is still adorable. ADORABLE. I was staying with my friend's Beth and Rob in Chicago and they had recorded something on their DVR about Gilmore Girls so I wanted to watch it. First commercial is Zooey in a Cotton commercial.

God I want to have sex with the irises in her eyeballs. I'm sorry Zooey I do not talk like that to women. I just think you are the cutest thing and that is how I express that. Anyway, point of the story is that I never watched that Gilmore Girls special. I watched that commercial 5 times though. I'm watching it again as I type. She is my number one no doubt.

2: Anne Hathaway(drafted 4th overall in the 2nd Round)

Looking back on this pick I was sort of wishy washy about it. At the time I had it in my head that Pierre would be definitely be taking Anne Hathaway, so I kind of jumped the gun on her.

Sorry, watching the video again. I should not have added that until after I was done writing. This is going to take much longer.

Just even the thought of talking about Anne Hathaway at the moment is making feel lazy. I guess I think she is really beautiful but I have no attachment to her beyond that. It's not like with other nerd crushes where you at least go to their Wiki page which I have not done for Miss Hathaway. Conclusion: She's on my list, sure come to bed Anne but I have no interest in anything you say.

Sorry, I'm just going to fap to this video and go to sleep. Numbers 3-5 plus my more than honorable mentions.

[PROTOTYPE] Review

Oh man. Guys and girls. This game is so fun. Forget the story, just mash on A and the start button. Well, if you need a little bit of story then here you go. You wake up and you've been genetically modified. You can jump real high, your appendages can morph into claws or whips or sharp blades, and you can absorb, or consume people and take their form and their memories. You don't know why or how this has happened to you. So you go on a killing spree through Manhattan to find the truth. It's you against the army and eventually the people because they're mutating as well.

So who cares about that. Your character seems to complain too much, at least in my opinion. Why are you complaining? Dude, you can leap off the tallest buildings in New York, glide down to the street, start chucking cars at tanks, use your arms to stretch out to the helicopter that's now attacking you(a la Dhalsim), hijack the helicopter, and by that point there will be nothing but a fiery mess in front of you. That's the fun I got out of Prototype. I spent most of my time doing the side missions where I would have to sneak into bases by absorbing soldiers. Then I would have to consume the commander to gain more abilities. Everything you do in the game earns you experience(in the game they are called Evolution Points) and you can spend those points to add more abilities. Jump higher, consume faster, new combat moves, and my personal favorite which is the devastator attacks that cover the entire screen. They are indeed devastating.

The combat can be hectic at times. I think they throw too much at you at the end of the game, but I was playing on Normal when I should have been playing on Easy I guess. I should not be surprised about the difficulty spike because you feel so powerful in the game. I mean, what else is the enemies going to do besides throw more challenging enemies at you. Like I said I got more enjoyment out of just blowing up bases, killing as many people as I could, and running and skipping through Manhattan as fast as I could. I think so far Prototype is my favorite game of the summer, but I haven't played much. I played Resident Evil 5 but I don't think I enjoyed it as much as Prototype. I'm not saying you should buy it because a lot of people are tired of these open world/sandbox games, but I think that the addition of these crazy ass killing powers should warrant at least a rental.

It's So Hard

That's all I can tell myself these last couple of days. I wake up with the single intention that I have to make this new home of ours as comfortable as possible for my wife who has had her first week of her new career. She has been given Hematology/Oncology first, which is(according to her and her peers)the most difficult rotation to have. She wakes up a little bit before 5am and does not come home until 8pm at the latest.



I go on the internet looking for simple(keyword: SIMPLE)recipes that I can cook that evening. I scrub floors, I vacuum, I water plants, I clear off disorganized coffee tables, I wash dishes, I pick up things at the grocery store, I pick up the mail. I have a hot meal ready as soon as she walks into the door, disheveled and red-eyed. No matter what I do to make her happy, because of the long work day she just had, she can do nothing but flop into my arms, her arms around my ever growing belly, crying on my shoulder. "I'm so tired, Alvin" she whimpers into my ear. I have to bite my lip because we both shouldn't cry but I really want to.



I have no words. I just try to console her with an encouraging rub of the back. Doing that feels so pathetic though because the tears do not stop. I know nothing about the hardships of medical school. I start to feel guilty everytime she comes home completely exhausted because other than doing chores and errands, I'm not working or going to school which I should be doing. It feels like nothing I do matters. She will come home and cry no matter how clean the apartment or how warm and delicious the meal that I just nervously put together tastes.



I tell her about how horrible I feel, and she tries to tell me that what I'm doing is very helpful, but I'm not being receptive to her positive comments. I am not the cause of her pain and I should not take responsibility for all of the wet shoulders I have had to attend to. Still, I hate seeing her like this. Hopefully the next three weeks will go by swiftly. I'm going to do everything my wife needs me to do so that she can make it though this.

My First Michael Jackson Memory

I was in a bedroom wearing nothing but an oversized Bart Simpson t-shirt that I would sleep in. Michael came inside the bedroom...

KIDDING

I don't remember much of my life before I was 6 years old, but I do remember going to the Philippines when I was 4 or 5. The three things I still remember to this day are:

-Eating at a burger place called "Pac Man Burger." Even when I was that age I was a fussy eater and I remember my parents taking to burger places a lot during that trip. I question my memories because I can't find any proof on the internet that this place existed. Obviously this was before Manny's time, so when I search for "Pac Man Burger Philippines" I get nothing remotely close to what I'm looking for. Oh internets, you're useless. KIDDING AGAIN

-Getting attacked by a little lap dog. I don't know what I did exactly, but the result of my actions were torn skin, blood, and a lifetime fear of dogs. I don't mind older dogs but I usually just avoid contact with dogs whenever possible.

-Finally, I remember watching "Thriller" for the first time. My brother and I'm guessing it was a cousin of mine were going into another bedroom with a Betamax tape. Of course I followed them like any little brother would. They're going in the other room to watch something cool. I don't think I made it to the entire thing. I enjoyed the music of course, but I think I ran out after Michael changed for the second time in the video. Which sucks because that's when the famous dance sequence happens.

I think that it's interesting that watching Thriller was something I remember. I don't remember much about my early years but I remember that. I was too young to realize how innovative that video was but I had never seen anything like that before then. Watching that video again today I really think that all of the effects, particularly the transformation at the beginning, could still hold up today. It looks really well done. I can go on and on but I don't have to. Everyone loved that video.