Sunday, September 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
IT'S A TRAP!!!!!
Maybe that's why they were a one-hit wonder.
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Seriously bro, not one sip?
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Never having met you!
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Also, what do those other 49 stars on the American flag stand for?
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Note to self: delete friend after reading.
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Apparently she likes it too.
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And you said I would never learn anything watching MTV.
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Well played, Google.
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Who am I to judge? I like yogurt up my ass and a popsicle stick in my mouth.
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Pwned by Grandpa.
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And I would do anything for love, but I won't do that.
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Duh.
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Dad, FTW
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You're right. Mine is way worse than your bike incident.
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If that doesn't work, try using different colors. Works 80% of the time, 50% of the time.
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I'm just glad he didn't ask what "marble cake" was.
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Five of these six things are true: can you spot the lie?
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Yes, who can forget the day when former Vice-President Aaron Burr shot and mortally wounded former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton in a duel?
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Aww, look. Newt Gingrich is writing again.
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Very classy.
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At least Bristol won't get pregnant again.
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Fool, your attempts at being happy have only made me more determined to stop you!!!
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Good luck with that.
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No. This is definatly worse.
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I'm loving it!
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Totally. He was all up in that shit.
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No, she mean't capitol... like in Washington D.C.
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Oh, while you're reading this...
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Or what? Oh... my... a-God!
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You know that I could use somebody.
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Mmmmmm... barbecue.
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You'd be Führer-ious with yourself if you didn't buy this chair!
Nearly six ounces of juice were drunk during breakfast alone.
P-P-P-P-P-Pikachu
But he didn't shoot the Times New Roman.
Morpheus: [amused] You think that's a door you're entering?
Neo: Whoa!
Guy 1: Is this heaven?
Guy 2: It's Iowa.
I don't know what it is, but I love it!
God damn Arizona, take a chill pill.
I imagine this did not go over so well on 9/11.
Tim was always playing with his night stick, he just thought that he would now get paid to use it.
What happens when I buy two of each?
Dammit! Why didn't anybody tell me before I made the trip down here?
Monday, December 21, 2009
HEAVY RAIN (PS3)
How far are you prepared to go to save someone you love?
Below is a link to quite possibly the most important and innovative PS3 game to come out since it debuted in 2006, titled Heavy Rain. Set in the mold of a suspense thriller (think of the film Seven), this game is far different than most games.
Unlike most mystery/suspense thrillers, it is not a puzzle game -- a game where the player must solve every piece of it before continuing -- rather it is a film noir that plays out like an interactive film, featuring a cause and effect storyline.
The basic concept of the story is that it revolves around a serial killer named the Origami Killer, because he leaves behind an origami figurine on the body of every victim he kills.
Following the killer's footsteps are four people, all playable: an FBI profiler named Norman Jayden, a private detective named Scott Shelby, an architect named Ethan Mars, and journalist named Madison Paige.
Unlike other games where the character plays a scene over and over until he or she is successful, Heavy Rain seeks a different path: once your character dies in the game, they are dead. There is no coming back. The story revolves around four people and the player then moves onto another character for the duration of the story. If all four characters die then the game is over, with a plot line to match such an occurrence. Every single scenario has a direct effect on the outcome of the story.
Also setting this game apart from others is the controls. Nearly every game features a control function in which the left analog stick moves the character; not Heavy Rain. In this game, the right trigger (you read that right, the right trigger) moves the character forward, with the left analog stick controlling the character's head movements. If a player looks left then presses the right trigger the character will turn left as he or she is moving.
Another variation that differs from the norm is the use of quick time controls. Now, I know what your thinking, "Oh God, I hate games with quick time controls. This game is going to suck." Well it's not like that at all, so just shut the f--k up. These quick time controls are both engaging and not too distracting. In fact, one could say that the entire game follows this path.
Let's say that a character wants to open a door or look inside a mailbox, well, a function button will direct the player what actions to perform. Likewise, action or dramatic scenes require the same feat. The only difference between the dramatic scenes and any other are the dangers from failing to perform the task. Most quick time games don't allow the player to screw up or else they'll fail that portion and have to start over, Hard Rain allows the player to screw up a few times -- just make sure not to do it at the wrong time or your character may not make it through the entire scene.
It sounds a bit difficult to understand at first but trust me, it gets easier. On a similar note: action bubbles are also featured in scenes. These drive the conversation and (much like the Sims) the character as several options that dictate the tone and reactions of the receiving listener. Be sympathetic to a grieving father and you may get some more information, too harsh a tone may get you thrown out on your ass; it really depends on how you react during such times.
As in life, the more calm someone is, the easier it is to make a decision. When things are running smoothly the dialogue boxes move around the character slowly. When things are tense then the character's thoughts are a bit scrambled; making it harder to think clearly and select the best course of action. Every piece of dialogue has a reaction from the recipient and changes the outcome of the conversation, so pay attention.
The graphics are simply stunning. Graphics that used to be only available in a cut scene is now part of the actual game play. Using full body and facial motion capturing techniques, the amount of detail is utterly amazing. Smile lines, wrinkles, facial hair, and even freckles are captured in stunning accuracy to the real models that the game based it on. These people don't just look like the people they're supposed to, they are the people.
According to E3, the technology PhysX through nVidia was used to enable animations of pupil dilation, tongue, eyes, fingers, and dynamic hair with physics. The game engine also supports real-time post-processing, using Vicon MX40 cameras and system equipment to record facial motion and muscle renderings.
The game is scheduled to come out in Feb. 2010, so make sure to save some excess Christmas money for its release. Also, if you don't already own one, I'd recommend getting a PS3. The game is that good.
Sales have been fairly slow for the PS3 thusfar and with the recent drop in price it is only a matter of time before the system develops its first iconic hit. This could be the game that forever remains linked to the gaming system; like the Xbox's Halo, Nintendo's Mario Bros., Genesis' Sonic the Hedgehog, Nintendo 64's Goldeneye, etc.
If you'd like a little more information on the game from it's creator David Cage, then check out this clip at the end of the article. Otherwise, enjoy.
Below is a link to quite possibly the most important and innovative PS3 game to come out since it debuted in 2006, titled Heavy Rain. Set in the mold of a suspense thriller (think of the film Seven), this game is far different than most games.
Unlike most mystery/suspense thrillers, it is not a puzzle game -- a game where the player must solve every piece of it before continuing -- rather it is a film noir that plays out like an interactive film, featuring a cause and effect storyline.
The basic concept of the story is that it revolves around a serial killer named the Origami Killer, because he leaves behind an origami figurine on the body of every victim he kills.
Following the killer's footsteps are four people, all playable: an FBI profiler named Norman Jayden, a private detective named Scott Shelby, an architect named Ethan Mars, and journalist named Madison Paige.
Unlike other games where the character plays a scene over and over until he or she is successful, Heavy Rain seeks a different path: once your character dies in the game, they are dead. There is no coming back. The story revolves around four people and the player then moves onto another character for the duration of the story. If all four characters die then the game is over, with a plot line to match such an occurrence. Every single scenario has a direct effect on the outcome of the story.
Also setting this game apart from others is the controls. Nearly every game features a control function in which the left analog stick moves the character; not Heavy Rain. In this game, the right trigger (you read that right, the right trigger) moves the character forward, with the left analog stick controlling the character's head movements. If a player looks left then presses the right trigger the character will turn left as he or she is moving.
Another variation that differs from the norm is the use of quick time controls. Now, I know what your thinking, "Oh God, I hate games with quick time controls. This game is going to suck." Well it's not like that at all, so just shut the f--k up. These quick time controls are both engaging and not too distracting. In fact, one could say that the entire game follows this path.
Let's say that a character wants to open a door or look inside a mailbox, well, a function button will direct the player what actions to perform. Likewise, action or dramatic scenes require the same feat. The only difference between the dramatic scenes and any other are the dangers from failing to perform the task. Most quick time games don't allow the player to screw up or else they'll fail that portion and have to start over, Hard Rain allows the player to screw up a few times -- just make sure not to do it at the wrong time or your character may not make it through the entire scene.
It sounds a bit difficult to understand at first but trust me, it gets easier. On a similar note: action bubbles are also featured in scenes. These drive the conversation and (much like the Sims) the character as several options that dictate the tone and reactions of the receiving listener. Be sympathetic to a grieving father and you may get some more information, too harsh a tone may get you thrown out on your ass; it really depends on how you react during such times.
As in life, the more calm someone is, the easier it is to make a decision. When things are running smoothly the dialogue boxes move around the character slowly. When things are tense then the character's thoughts are a bit scrambled; making it harder to think clearly and select the best course of action. Every piece of dialogue has a reaction from the recipient and changes the outcome of the conversation, so pay attention.
The graphics are simply stunning. Graphics that used to be only available in a cut scene is now part of the actual game play. Using full body and facial motion capturing techniques, the amount of detail is utterly amazing. Smile lines, wrinkles, facial hair, and even freckles are captured in stunning accuracy to the real models that the game based it on. These people don't just look like the people they're supposed to, they are the people.
According to E3, the technology PhysX through nVidia was used to enable animations of pupil dilation, tongue, eyes, fingers, and dynamic hair with physics. The game engine also supports real-time post-processing, using Vicon MX40 cameras and system equipment to record facial motion and muscle renderings.
The game is scheduled to come out in Feb. 2010, so make sure to save some excess Christmas money for its release. Also, if you don't already own one, I'd recommend getting a PS3. The game is that good.
Sales have been fairly slow for the PS3 thusfar and with the recent drop in price it is only a matter of time before the system develops its first iconic hit. This could be the game that forever remains linked to the gaming system; like the Xbox's Halo, Nintendo's Mario Bros., Genesis' Sonic the Hedgehog, Nintendo 64's Goldeneye, etc.
If you'd like a little more information on the game from it's creator David Cage, then check out this clip at the end of the article. Otherwise, enjoy.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Hey, Are You Who I Think You Are?
Yesterday, while working at the pharmacy, a customer walked up to me asking if I could fill his prescriptions. Nothing special, something that happens every day. He was fairly young-looking, seemed familiar, but I fill so many people that I often forget who is a regular and who is not. He said that he also wanted to transfer a prescription while he was there.
Busy looking into whether or not I would be able to do so, I was not really focusing too much on him and more or less concentrating on my work. Finally, I look up at the name on his bottle... my eyes opened up wide.
I was standing in front of star NHL goalie Kari Lehtonen of the Atlanta Thrashers. I look up at his face, how the hell did I not recognize him before? I calmly ask him, "Are y-- you're the goalie for the Thrashers, right?" He said yes. A sly smile crept onto his face, it is not often that he is recognized in Atlanta without his uniform (or with it on for that matter).
Telling him I was a big fan, I mentioned to him that I saw his debut (which he won 2-1 by the way). He thanked me and I went on to fill his prescriptions. When ringing up his sale, he meets me at the register with his girlfriend. Before leaving I mention to him again that I hope he stays healthy this year and that they are not the same team without him (they aren't).
This time it was his girlfriend who took the compliment to heart. Letting out a soft, "Awwww," she pats Kari on the back, happy for his recognition. He thanks me and walks away. After a few moments, making sure he is out of viewing and hearing range, I do a little Tiger Woods fist bump. The two women working in the pharmacy with me have no idea what just transpired.
I ask them, "Do you know who that was?" They replied that they did not know. "That was Kari Lehtonen!" Silence. "You know, Kari Lehtonen... Thrashers goalie... anyone?"
Finally Tina, the pharmacist, joins the conversation and says, "Oh, so that's why his insurance is so good!" I dip my head in disappointment. At least I know what happened, and that is good enough for me.
A photo of the NHL goalie
Quite possibly the most Ebony and Ivory photo of all time
This now means that I've met two of the people in this photograph (note: I have no idea who the to person on the left is)
Busy looking into whether or not I would be able to do so, I was not really focusing too much on him and more or less concentrating on my work. Finally, I look up at the name on his bottle... my eyes opened up wide.
I was standing in front of star NHL goalie Kari Lehtonen of the Atlanta Thrashers. I look up at his face, how the hell did I not recognize him before? I calmly ask him, "Are y-- you're the goalie for the Thrashers, right?" He said yes. A sly smile crept onto his face, it is not often that he is recognized in Atlanta without his uniform (or with it on for that matter).
Telling him I was a big fan, I mentioned to him that I saw his debut (which he won 2-1 by the way). He thanked me and I went on to fill his prescriptions. When ringing up his sale, he meets me at the register with his girlfriend. Before leaving I mention to him again that I hope he stays healthy this year and that they are not the same team without him (they aren't).
This time it was his girlfriend who took the compliment to heart. Letting out a soft, "Awwww," she pats Kari on the back, happy for his recognition. He thanks me and walks away. After a few moments, making sure he is out of viewing and hearing range, I do a little Tiger Woods fist bump. The two women working in the pharmacy with me have no idea what just transpired.
I ask them, "Do you know who that was?" They replied that they did not know. "That was Kari Lehtonen!" Silence. "You know, Kari Lehtonen... Thrashers goalie... anyone?"
Finally Tina, the pharmacist, joins the conversation and says, "Oh, so that's why his insurance is so good!" I dip my head in disappointment. At least I know what happened, and that is good enough for me.
A photo of the NHL goalie
Quite possibly the most Ebony and Ivory photo of all time
This now means that I've met two of the people in this photograph (note: I have no idea who the to person on the left is)
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Meeee-Owwww!!!!
In light of my more depressing post, I figure I'd lighten up the mood a little bit.
Here is a cat boxing a tv while watching boxing on that same tv -- deal with it PETA!!!
Here is a cat boxing a tv while watching boxing on that same tv -- deal with it PETA!!!
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