This guy just purchased a big-boy TV for his living room. Sad to say that this is the highlight of my past couple weeks, but it is truly awesome. We only have basic cable, so we don't get any HD channels except for the networks. But I feel an upgrade is coming soon. According to our landlord we can pay like $20 for an extra box and then like $20 a month to get all HD channels. To which I say, you've got yourself a god damn deal landlord.
Needless to say I am excited. The jump from a 27 inch box TV to a 40 inch flat screen is rather remarkable. It is big and powerful (that's what she said). And I truly never knew what I was missing gaming wise until booting up my games on this guy. The XBOX 360 comes in crystal clear on 1080p resolution.
I highly suggest it. I realize they are a little pricey, but I seriously just got a 40 inch Sony flat screen with an extended 2-year warranty for less than $800. Reasonable enough. I'm not using it for anything fancy right now, but so far the games and DVDs for that matter look spectacular.
And I get to go to Target Field tomorrow for my first official game. It is supposed to rain a crap load tonight and tomorrow, so I'm hoping for some divine intervention to lay off on the wet stuff. Looking forward to some inter league action. If you would have told me 2 years ago that the only games I would see this year were Cubs/Rangers in Texas and Twins/Rockies in Minneapolis, I would have slapped you. Still looking for cheap Twins garb, because I don't have any yet. That's right, I will be the guy at the game, playing it neutral.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Exploring the West....
I have been quiet recently and much of that has to do with my new obsession: Red Dead Redemption. The game is in a word: Brilliant. I have been drawn to sandbox games a lot in recent years. Mainly because it is more than button mashing or repetitive sports simulation. It is an actual movie that you get to play, and let me tell you RDR would make a good movie.
The vastness of the landscape is remarkable. The game is huge. I have heard from some publications that I read, that the game map is 3 times as large as Grand Theft Auto IV. And while driving around in GTA became laborious, riding your horse around in RDR is breathtaking. It's the wild west, so the pace is slow and more realistic. No bustling city, no 18 models of cars on the screen. Just a lot of barren land, a few wild animals, and every once in a while a tandem of other riders.
The controls and game play are a little buggy, but forgiven when I think about the sheer scope of the game. There is no load time when it comes to in-game play. I rode my horse from one edge of the map to the other, and it took about 12 minutes of real time. Not a single load, just beautiful desert and back town landscape.
Characters and story are very well done. Each character actually means something to the story and are interesting enough to make you want to follow them. I find myself always distracted from the main storyline missions. I have been picking flowers, hunting rare animals, and trying to up my sharpshooter level. So for giggles I went to the stats section to see my progression. I had played for nearly 15 hours and was 22% through the game. I was astounded that I had done so much, and yet had only registered at 1/5th of what this game had to offer.
So take my review as is. A guy who still has 80 percent of the game to go. But if you own a PS3 or an XBOX 360 go buy this game. I have been playing video games for the better part of 20 years and I have only had a handful of games blow me away. Those happen to be: Super Mario Bros. 3 (I was 6 so sue me), NHL 95 (Loved the Blackhawks!), GTA: Vice City (my first foray into sandbox games), Bioshock, and now Red Dead Redemption. So in other words, it is pretty awesome, and I am definitely getting my money's worth.
The vastness of the landscape is remarkable. The game is huge. I have heard from some publications that I read, that the game map is 3 times as large as Grand Theft Auto IV. And while driving around in GTA became laborious, riding your horse around in RDR is breathtaking. It's the wild west, so the pace is slow and more realistic. No bustling city, no 18 models of cars on the screen. Just a lot of barren land, a few wild animals, and every once in a while a tandem of other riders.
The controls and game play are a little buggy, but forgiven when I think about the sheer scope of the game. There is no load time when it comes to in-game play. I rode my horse from one edge of the map to the other, and it took about 12 minutes of real time. Not a single load, just beautiful desert and back town landscape.
Characters and story are very well done. Each character actually means something to the story and are interesting enough to make you want to follow them. I find myself always distracted from the main storyline missions. I have been picking flowers, hunting rare animals, and trying to up my sharpshooter level. So for giggles I went to the stats section to see my progression. I had played for nearly 15 hours and was 22% through the game. I was astounded that I had done so much, and yet had only registered at 1/5th of what this game had to offer.
So take my review as is. A guy who still has 80 percent of the game to go. But if you own a PS3 or an XBOX 360 go buy this game. I have been playing video games for the better part of 20 years and I have only had a handful of games blow me away. Those happen to be: Super Mario Bros. 3 (I was 6 so sue me), NHL 95 (Loved the Blackhawks!), GTA: Vice City (my first foray into sandbox games), Bioshock, and now Red Dead Redemption. So in other words, it is pretty awesome, and I am definitely getting my money's worth.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Long Weekend....
I had an absolute blast on my extended weekend to Wisconsin. Things were rather busy with lots of wedding things going on. Met with the minister on Saturday morning, but it was after this that the adventure began.
Kristi and I traversed to New Glarus to take in the Brewery tour. Great time. I highly suggest anyone who enjoys a smooth and delicious beer to take in the sights. $3 will get you a 3 oz. little guy glass and a couple of refills. It is worth it to try their special brews of the season. And of course we had to stock up on beverage. It is a tad overpriced at $8 for a six pack, but when you live in a state where you can't get it, money flies out the door. There is also something to be said for convenience, and literally everyone of their beers is at your fingertips in their cellar.
Sunday we had our engagement pictures taken in multiple locales around the SP. It was a lot of fun, if not a little warm. Then headed off for a little sushi buffet with Jeffrey Boll. Had a glorious time, mainly because you can't beat sushi. I absolutely love it. It could be the perfect food. Spicy, filling, but yet I don't feel like a vomitasaurus after I eat it. Also love Asian buffets and their dessert spread. Can't beat pumpkin pie, lime jello, and cream puffs on the same table.
All in all, enjoyed my time back in Wisconsin. Should have some more posts this week. I feel a rant on the Cubs coming soon. So stay tuned for profanity and fits of rage....
Kristi and I traversed to New Glarus to take in the Brewery tour. Great time. I highly suggest anyone who enjoys a smooth and delicious beer to take in the sights. $3 will get you a 3 oz. little guy glass and a couple of refills. It is worth it to try their special brews of the season. And of course we had to stock up on beverage. It is a tad overpriced at $8 for a six pack, but when you live in a state where you can't get it, money flies out the door. There is also something to be said for convenience, and literally everyone of their beers is at your fingertips in their cellar.
Sunday we had our engagement pictures taken in multiple locales around the SP. It was a lot of fun, if not a little warm. Then headed off for a little sushi buffet with Jeffrey Boll. Had a glorious time, mainly because you can't beat sushi. I absolutely love it. It could be the perfect food. Spicy, filling, but yet I don't feel like a vomitasaurus after I eat it. Also love Asian buffets and their dessert spread. Can't beat pumpkin pie, lime jello, and cream puffs on the same table.
All in all, enjoyed my time back in Wisconsin. Should have some more posts this week. I feel a rant on the Cubs coming soon. So stay tuned for profanity and fits of rage....
Monday, May 24, 2010
Welcome Home.....
Regardless of where you go, I have found that I always enjoy coming home. However, after spending 2 days in Texas I expected it to be cooler in Minneapolis. No dice. It was just as hot and humid, and I call shenanigans.
Trip was awesome and I enjoyed myself immensely. My flight down on Friday night was good and probably the best flight I have ever been on. I was a touch late leaving partly because 30 minutes before departure time, Suzy ticket taker came over the loudspeaker and said there were no pilots or attendants at the plane. In my head I went, "Hmmmm, I hear those are important parts of the flight." So I had a few extra minutes to realize that now NFL Hall of Famer John Randle was sitting next to me. Don't worry, I wasn't that guy who bugged him. So flying in was good and then I was whisked away to Arlington.
Went out on Friday night to a local establishment and enjoyed some $2 PBR drafts (Yeah buddy!). Was just able to relax and shoot the shit with buddies. Enjoyed the mini golf game at the sports bar too. It was essentially Golden Tee, but just mini golf. Hells Yes.
On Saturday we made it over to new Cowboys Stadium which is pictured above. That place is absolutely mind-boggling. I have been to some really cool stadiums and parks, and this was the only one where I walked in and my mouth dropped. It was unbelievable and in a good way. I was very interested in what $1 billion could buy you. That answer is an absolute palace. Marble concourses. Lockers made from some rare wood from Africa. And I also hear Jerry Jones Vita-Chamber was somewhere in his dungeon office.
After that we traversed to Dallas to take in a little history at the Grassy Knoll. It is a cool place to visit, but I wish it was a little more somber. Conspiracy theorists are out peddling $5 magazines with pictures, and tourists are taking pictures on the "X" in the street where JFK was shot. Call me old fashioned, but a man was shot there. Would you go stand on top of a grave at a cemetery? I think not. Lets show a little respect kids.
After enjoying some delicious beef brisket, we headed to Arlington for some Cubs/Rangers action. Great game, won in extras by the Cubs. The stadium for being nearly 20 years old is really nice and it was absolutely packed. The atmosphere was great. And my trip was a complete success after the win
We went back out to the same place Saturday night and good times were had by all. I thouroughly enjoyed my trip and couldn't have asked for a better 40 hours. I did enjoy coming home though.
And for the record, I have now been to a baseball game where before the first pitch, the PA system blares "God Bless Texas." Now I have seen it all.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Come on now....
Come on now Best Buy. You told me I would have my gift card by now and I am disappointed. I sent in my copy of Madden 2010 the better part of a month ago to trade for gift card cash and I am yet to get it back. I am saddened because I am due to get $30, and I would like to use said money on Red Dead Redemption. Every review I have read of RDR gives it glowing marks and talks about how it does nearly everything correctly. You get to run around the old west on horseback and fight ne'er-do-wells. How awesome is that? You can play poker, collect bounties on other players heads, and go hunt bears. Freaking bears, man. I am jacked up for this game, and better get my GD gift card sometime soon. Otherwise I'm going to go to the post office and give them a piece of my mind. And by piece of my mind, I mean a stern talking to, because you do not mess with post office employees. They will suffocate you in packing peanuts.
Went out to the driving range this past weekend and swung the sticks for about an hour. It felt good, and I look forward to more golf this season. I am seriously contemplating buying a new set, because mine are very old and dirty. They were my dad's clubs at one point and I kid you not when I tell you the woods are made of actual wood. Found a nice set of Wilson irons and woods for $300. Comes with a putter and a really nice bag. It seems to be a good deal, but also a decent name brand set of clubs. I wish I could throw down some cash on Titlelist or Calloway swag, but that stuff runs you the better part of $1,000. So we will see where it goes, but I am excited for the good weather and the possibility of enjoying some golf in the twilight hours.
And lastly, looking forward to my weekend in Dallas to catch some inter league baseball action. The Cubs are atrocious, but who knows. From what I gather the Rangers' and Cubs' bullpens lead their respective leagues in suck, so it should at least be entertaining. Get to see some friends from school, and enjoy some warm weather. Until next time kids, where I will let everyone know about my trip to Texas.
Went out to the driving range this past weekend and swung the sticks for about an hour. It felt good, and I look forward to more golf this season. I am seriously contemplating buying a new set, because mine are very old and dirty. They were my dad's clubs at one point and I kid you not when I tell you the woods are made of actual wood. Found a nice set of Wilson irons and woods for $300. Comes with a putter and a really nice bag. It seems to be a good deal, but also a decent name brand set of clubs. I wish I could throw down some cash on Titlelist or Calloway swag, but that stuff runs you the better part of $1,000. So we will see where it goes, but I am excited for the good weather and the possibility of enjoying some golf in the twilight hours.
And lastly, looking forward to my weekend in Dallas to catch some inter league baseball action. The Cubs are atrocious, but who knows. From what I gather the Rangers' and Cubs' bullpens lead their respective leagues in suck, so it should at least be entertaining. Get to see some friends from school, and enjoy some warm weather. Until next time kids, where I will let everyone know about my trip to Texas.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Making my mark...
There is nothing I love more than making a good point to others, and then having them tell me they now agree with my stance. It sounds very snotty of me, but it's a good feeling when you suggest a book or TV show or whatever to someone and they tell you how much they liked it. I am having that moment right now as I convinced Kristi to do her persuasive speech on the ridiculousness that is the MPAA.
The MPAA is the board of people who rate movies for the general public, or as they say, for the kids benefit. Well, this group is nothing more than a self-serving, money grubbing, shit show, who only look out for themselves. They blatantly have double standards and won't fess up to their shenanigans. They say they are not censoring, but in effect it is what they do.
They side with big movie studios because they are the ones that finance their operation. If you have a movie for Paramount, and you are on the border of being rated NC-17, they will send you a laundry list of things that could be cut to get your movie rated R. But if you are Johnny Filmmaker, and you find yourself on that boundary, you get nothing more than a "as it stands right now, this is your rating." That ain't right and it all boils down to cash.
And don't even get me started on the difference between sex and violence. You could show an orphanage being burnt to the ground by a clown with a hatchet stuck in his head and get an R. But if you have a man walking naked from his shower to his bed, you get an NC-17 for dong swingin'. And I won't even delve into what they rate when it comes to a heterosexual scene/homosexual scene. Just be aware if it's a couple a dudes or a couple of ladies, it will get an NC-17 and not be at your local AMC or Marcus Theater.
My point is that ratings are outdated, vague, and useless. I looked at my copy of Dumb and Dumber yesterday, and it was rated PG-13 for off color humor. What does that even mean? Off-color humor? What is this 1886?
They need to define what is what and get rid of the labels. I just want more information to be available, because I think it is hillbilly nonsense that you can take your 6 year old with you to an R-rated movie. Dumb. Yes, ultimately the ratings are there to slightly inform and let a parent make their own decision. But a little more information never hurt anyone. And I don't think telling me something is rated PG-13 for off color humor is enough for me to really know the content of the film.
The MPAA is the board of people who rate movies for the general public, or as they say, for the kids benefit. Well, this group is nothing more than a self-serving, money grubbing, shit show, who only look out for themselves. They blatantly have double standards and won't fess up to their shenanigans. They say they are not censoring, but in effect it is what they do.
They side with big movie studios because they are the ones that finance their operation. If you have a movie for Paramount, and you are on the border of being rated NC-17, they will send you a laundry list of things that could be cut to get your movie rated R. But if you are Johnny Filmmaker, and you find yourself on that boundary, you get nothing more than a "as it stands right now, this is your rating." That ain't right and it all boils down to cash.
And don't even get me started on the difference between sex and violence. You could show an orphanage being burnt to the ground by a clown with a hatchet stuck in his head and get an R. But if you have a man walking naked from his shower to his bed, you get an NC-17 for dong swingin'. And I won't even delve into what they rate when it comes to a heterosexual scene/homosexual scene. Just be aware if it's a couple a dudes or a couple of ladies, it will get an NC-17 and not be at your local AMC or Marcus Theater.
My point is that ratings are outdated, vague, and useless. I looked at my copy of Dumb and Dumber yesterday, and it was rated PG-13 for off color humor. What does that even mean? Off-color humor? What is this 1886?
They need to define what is what and get rid of the labels. I just want more information to be available, because I think it is hillbilly nonsense that you can take your 6 year old with you to an R-rated movie. Dumb. Yes, ultimately the ratings are there to slightly inform and let a parent make their own decision. But a little more information never hurt anyone. And I don't think telling me something is rated PG-13 for off color humor is enough for me to really know the content of the film.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Childhood Memories....
It is always enjoyable to take a trip down memory lane. And I did such a thing this past weekend when I took in a couple of straight to VHS movies. I watched a couple of animated Batman features, one of them being Mask of the Phantasm from 1993. I remember this movie being awesome, yet at the time I was 8, so surely with time it would lose it's luster and just be childish. Not true sir, it is still awesome. I then took in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker from 2000. It was fantastic as well, and truly should be watched by any fan of The Dark Knight. I just love hearing Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as The Joker
For anyone who grew up watching the animated series in the early and mid-90's, those are the depictions you remember. For anyone I know, the first guy they think about when they hear The Joker is not Jack Nicholson, or Heath Ledger (though he was fantastic), it is Mark Hamill. The way he brought life to an animated character is nothing short of magical and I would have to think in the world of voice work, his for this character is the gold standard.
And to sound like a nerd, I am and always have been more interested in the world of Batman/Bruce Wayne. I always loved that he is just an ordinary guy, who goes through a trauma, and his way to cope is whooping ass. And as great as that is, it is truly the villains that make any superhero. And Batman has some great ones. My personal favorite was always Two-Face, basically because he didn't give a damn and really had no moral compass. Except for flipping a coin and giving you a 50-50 chance. I am really saddened that he didn't make it through The Dark Knight, because I think he could hold a movie on his own, especially played by Aaron Eckhart. Not surprisingly, the decision to kill him off was the only issue I had with Nolan's epic work.
So I rambled a touch, but the world of Gotham City is truly my favorite fictional place. I owe most of that to Batman: The Animated Series, from my childhood. I urge you to check it out, though I'm sure anyone of my friends that reads this has already seen some or all of the episodes. There are over 100 episodes in total, and all of them fall in the range of great to fantastic.
For anyone who grew up watching the animated series in the early and mid-90's, those are the depictions you remember. For anyone I know, the first guy they think about when they hear The Joker is not Jack Nicholson, or Heath Ledger (though he was fantastic), it is Mark Hamill. The way he brought life to an animated character is nothing short of magical and I would have to think in the world of voice work, his for this character is the gold standard.
And to sound like a nerd, I am and always have been more interested in the world of Batman/Bruce Wayne. I always loved that he is just an ordinary guy, who goes through a trauma, and his way to cope is whooping ass. And as great as that is, it is truly the villains that make any superhero. And Batman has some great ones. My personal favorite was always Two-Face, basically because he didn't give a damn and really had no moral compass. Except for flipping a coin and giving you a 50-50 chance. I am really saddened that he didn't make it through The Dark Knight, because I think he could hold a movie on his own, especially played by Aaron Eckhart. Not surprisingly, the decision to kill him off was the only issue I had with Nolan's epic work.
So I rambled a touch, but the world of Gotham City is truly my favorite fictional place. I owe most of that to Batman: The Animated Series, from my childhood. I urge you to check it out, though I'm sure anyone of my friends that reads this has already seen some or all of the episodes. There are over 100 episodes in total, and all of them fall in the range of great to fantastic.
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