Finished reading Jaws the other day. I read that book a long time ago and remember thinking it was different from the movie, but not much more than that. Reading it this time I mostly found it depressing. First, for a book about a shark, there's very little shark. Until the final Moby Dick-esque final act. It focuses mostly on the town and the people in it and they ways they cope with this threat to their town and livelihood. It's not really that pleasant reading about their lives and marriages falling apart. Although it does serve as a decent reminder that life is pretty fragile and all it takes to disrupt things is a giant man-eating fish.
Now I want fish tacos...
I've also made it through The Monstrumologist. I haven't decided what I think of it yet. It was much more gruesome than I was expecting. But good. Certainly a nice prelude to October and horror movie season.
Introduced the letter 'r' to Rivals for Catan over the weekend. He concurs that it is indeed a fine game. I'm really looking forward to some serious boardgaming in the next couple months. We got the shirts for Drucon all made up. They look pretty darn good I must say. I think I may have to start making some bleach shirts with patterns and what not on them. I really liked the way these turned out.
Mom's birthday was this past week. She is missed. And thoughts and prayers go out to little sis.
Also, lovely wife and I might test an old maxim about friendships in the next couple months.
We finished off the anime version of Supernatural. I suspect we're going to try watching the regular version now. Also we watched Season of the Witch an odd little movie starring Nic Cage and Ron Perlman. It was kind of silly, kind of fun. Oh yeah, The Mentalist starts back up tonight. That's grand.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Zombies and stuff
Deadline Mira Grant's sequel to Feed was another fun romp through the zombie apocalypse. No campaign trail this time. But still plenty of conspiracy and banter. I think I liked Feed a touch more, but this one is good too. Wasn't real crazy about the twist at the end, but we'll see what happens in the final book in the series. Whenever it's out...
So I heard rumblings about an anime version of Supernatural a while back. The Library got it in and so lovely wife and I have been watching it. It's decent. I suspect we might end up watching the actual show again. It's a mix of revamped episodes from the first couple seasons and some original content. They actually got the guy that plays Sam to do his own character's voice. Dean is different for the bulk of the episodes, but the actor shows up for the last couple I believe. The actors do an intro for each episode that is part interesting, part goofy.
I've been listening to The Dice Tower podcast to get my boardgaming news fix lately. They have made some rumblings about a Top 100 list. It sounds like they're going to take user content to build a list as well. List your top 10 favorite board games kind of a thing. I thought I'd contemplate what games from my collection would constitute a top 10. Let's see: 7 Wonders, Blue Moon City, Coloretto, Dominion, Forbidden Island, Galaxy Trucker, Mansions of Madness, Pitchcar, Rivals for Catan, Ticket to Ride are the titles that would most likely make up the list. Not entirely certain how I'd rate them as far as a numerical order. I suppose it would also depend on whether I was going for how I felt about them or how often they get played.
I managed to snag a copy of Elder Sign before they all vanished. Depending on how it goes that might alter the face of the previous top 10. I technically snagged it for the upcoming Drucon, but maybe I can coerce lovely wife to let me get it out when family shows up in a month. Got to work those kinks out you know?
Speaking of family a birthday shout out to littlest sis and Grandpa. Got to talk to both of them on their respective days of birth. Sounds like a decent time was had by all. So yay them.
G informed us the other day that he wanted a little brother. I forget the exact reasoning behind this declaration but remember thinking it was amusing. Lovely wife can remind me in the comments or something. We informed him he was out of luck.
Here's to hoping I can avoid whatever plague lovely wife and McK are trying to start in our house. Gotta love going back to school...
So I heard rumblings about an anime version of Supernatural a while back. The Library got it in and so lovely wife and I have been watching it. It's decent. I suspect we might end up watching the actual show again. It's a mix of revamped episodes from the first couple seasons and some original content. They actually got the guy that plays Sam to do his own character's voice. Dean is different for the bulk of the episodes, but the actor shows up for the last couple I believe. The actors do an intro for each episode that is part interesting, part goofy.
I've been listening to The Dice Tower podcast to get my boardgaming news fix lately. They have made some rumblings about a Top 100 list. It sounds like they're going to take user content to build a list as well. List your top 10 favorite board games kind of a thing. I thought I'd contemplate what games from my collection would constitute a top 10. Let's see: 7 Wonders, Blue Moon City, Coloretto, Dominion, Forbidden Island, Galaxy Trucker, Mansions of Madness, Pitchcar, Rivals for Catan, Ticket to Ride are the titles that would most likely make up the list. Not entirely certain how I'd rate them as far as a numerical order. I suppose it would also depend on whether I was going for how I felt about them or how often they get played.
I managed to snag a copy of Elder Sign before they all vanished. Depending on how it goes that might alter the face of the previous top 10. I technically snagged it for the upcoming Drucon, but maybe I can coerce lovely wife to let me get it out when family shows up in a month. Got to work those kinks out you know?
Speaking of family a birthday shout out to littlest sis and Grandpa. Got to talk to both of them on their respective days of birth. Sounds like a decent time was had by all. So yay them.
G informed us the other day that he wanted a little brother. I forget the exact reasoning behind this declaration but remember thinking it was amusing. Lovely wife can remind me in the comments or something. We informed him he was out of luck.
Here's to hoping I can avoid whatever plague lovely wife and McK are trying to start in our house. Gotta love going back to school...
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Waiting for Fall
And we're a week into September. It needs to cool down now and commence Fall appropriate weather. I'd really like the grass to stop growing and so on. Maybe if we start eating Fall sorts of foods we can encourage nature to take the hint. I recommend some good soups and stews and so on. Mmm. Chili!
I also recommend planning out horror movies for October. It will be here before you know it and you don't want to get caught unprepared. I'm trying to decide what to watch this year. So feel free to send in suggestions. I think I'll watch Constantine again simply because I find it a fun sort of film. Not scary, but fun. I think The Woman in Black starring that Radcliffe kid of Harry Potter fame looks pretty good. Oh, and Apollo 18 looks fun as well.
We had a decent Labor Day. After a false start or two we managed to grill some burgers. McK decided she wanted to play Mansions of Madness so we took a few hours and did that as well. I once again managed to kill off the poor party of investigators (this was actually a pretty gruesome encounter as I think I managed to kill three of them before it was over) with a horde of zombies and a Mi-go. Had they been a little more united in their searching I probably wouldn't have managed a victory. As it was they almost held out long enough to force an everybody loses scenario.
We also played a few older games - Tsuro and some Catan Dice and so on. It was a good weekend for relaxing and taking it easy.
I also recommend planning out horror movies for October. It will be here before you know it and you don't want to get caught unprepared. I'm trying to decide what to watch this year. So feel free to send in suggestions. I think I'll watch Constantine again simply because I find it a fun sort of film. Not scary, but fun. I think The Woman in Black starring that Radcliffe kid of Harry Potter fame looks pretty good. Oh, and Apollo 18 looks fun as well.
We had a decent Labor Day. After a false start or two we managed to grill some burgers. McK decided she wanted to play Mansions of Madness so we took a few hours and did that as well. I once again managed to kill off the poor party of investigators (this was actually a pretty gruesome encounter as I think I managed to kill three of them before it was over) with a horde of zombies and a Mi-go. Had they been a little more united in their searching I probably wouldn't have managed a victory. As it was they almost held out long enough to force an everybody loses scenario.
We also played a few older games - Tsuro and some Catan Dice and so on. It was a good weekend for relaxing and taking it easy.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Bleak outlooks
Feed (the Mira Grant book this time) was quite excellent. In fact I've got the sequel waiting for me at the moment. I wasn't sure a story about some bloggers following a potential presidential candidate on the campaign trail in a post zombie apocalypse world would be that interesting, but it really was. It's actually a pretty good page turner. I really enjoyed the banter between the main characters. It'll be interesting to see how the sequel compares. Take that as an ominous warning if you will. I was a touch annoyed with the driving force behind the main villain (not the zombies, we know what drives zombies) but I can't honestly say I'm surprised by it.
Lev Grossman's The Magician King is something of a quandary for me. I really enjoyed the book up until the ending. And that ending... This might well be one of the bleakest books I think I've read in a long time. When he originally wrote The Magicians it was with the idea of doing Harry Potter/Narnia for grown ups (yes this is a generalization). This time I think he's just out to make sure that nothing good ever happens to anybody. I'm not convinced he's trying to place realistic outcomes on fantasy tropes so much as seeing what would happen if everything that could go wrong does. Again, I really did enjoy reading the book, this one's a page turner as well, but if you don't like depressing endings, stay far far away.
I like John le Carre's espionage style stories. We've started watching the BBC version of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. I'm hoping it picks up a little as the first episode was a little slow. I realize that's sort of par for the course when it comes to espionage (as opposed to spy thriller) but still, a little more plot a little less set up.
Oh and one more for the bleak files. This is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Haunting, really.
The baked good count is now at 1. (And there have been threats of more!) Just saying.
Lev Grossman's The Magician King is something of a quandary for me. I really enjoyed the book up until the ending. And that ending... This might well be one of the bleakest books I think I've read in a long time. When he originally wrote The Magicians it was with the idea of doing Harry Potter/Narnia for grown ups (yes this is a generalization). This time I think he's just out to make sure that nothing good ever happens to anybody. I'm not convinced he's trying to place realistic outcomes on fantasy tropes so much as seeing what would happen if everything that could go wrong does. Again, I really did enjoy reading the book, this one's a page turner as well, but if you don't like depressing endings, stay far far away.
I like John le Carre's espionage style stories. We've started watching the BBC version of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. I'm hoping it picks up a little as the first episode was a little slow. I realize that's sort of par for the course when it comes to espionage (as opposed to spy thriller) but still, a little more plot a little less set up.
Oh and one more for the bleak files. This is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Haunting, really.
The baked good count is now at 1. (And there have been threats of more!) Just saying.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
No new tales to tell
Apparently, out here at any rate, the coverage of Earthquake '11 was handled by the MadTV crew. Lovely wife said it consisted of one sad chandelier swaying gently as if stirred by some otherworldly breeze. Her Dad managed to survive the ordeal, simply mourning the fact that he had to pick up a book that had fallen off the microwave. I suspect that was more fraught with danger than the earthquake. The letter 'r' did pass along a lovely commemorative photo.
13 Assassins is the best samurai period piece featuring a village of death and bulls on fire. And if that doesn't convince you to watch it then nothing I can say will.
So, school has started back up and the kids are now safely ensconced all day. I have not noticed an increase in either cats or baked goods, so lovely wife must still be awestruck by it all.
A local toy store was having a "store relocating at some point in the future" sale, so I took advantage of a nice 30% discount and picked up Rivals of Catan - a 2 player card game version of Settlers of Catan. It's actually really nice. I like the mechanics of the game and the way that the various resources are handled. There's a base version to introduce you to the way things work, three theme decks to add different types of play and a final no holds barred use everything you've got variant. So that's nice. It would be nice if more people could play it, but it is a really nice 2 player game. It captures the Catan feel quite nicely.
Not really much else to say. My sisters apparently think running is a bright idea and are training for a couple 5ks. On the one hand I wish them luck. On the other, they're nuts. But that's ok, someone in the family needs to be and I'm glad to be able to let them handle that. I have actually managed to exercise some lately, but not really in significant enough quantities to achieve anything other than a lack of sleep. Which is also partly why I've not been able to get a lot of exercise in. 5:00 AM arrives early enough as it is.
13 Assassins is the best samurai period piece featuring a village of death and bulls on fire. And if that doesn't convince you to watch it then nothing I can say will.
So, school has started back up and the kids are now safely ensconced all day. I have not noticed an increase in either cats or baked goods, so lovely wife must still be awestruck by it all.
A local toy store was having a "store relocating at some point in the future" sale, so I took advantage of a nice 30% discount and picked up Rivals of Catan - a 2 player card game version of Settlers of Catan. It's actually really nice. I like the mechanics of the game and the way that the various resources are handled. There's a base version to introduce you to the way things work, three theme decks to add different types of play and a final no holds barred use everything you've got variant. So that's nice. It would be nice if more people could play it, but it is a really nice 2 player game. It captures the Catan feel quite nicely.
Not really much else to say. My sisters apparently think running is a bright idea and are training for a couple 5ks. On the one hand I wish them luck. On the other, they're nuts. But that's ok, someone in the family needs to be and I'm glad to be able to let them handle that. I have actually managed to exercise some lately, but not really in significant enough quantities to achieve anything other than a lack of sleep. Which is also partly why I've not been able to get a lot of exercise in. 5:00 AM arrives early enough as it is.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The short version
Ok, I have now had Blogger eat a post. There was a rather lengthy (for me) discussion of the far too many books I'm currently reading, a couple movies we've seen and M's birthday party. I am not up to typing it in again and I can't seem to find it in my history. Bad Blogger! Here are the highlights. Sorry.
Wireless - short story collection by Charles Stross. Features one story in the Laundry universe (Hi Bob) and other sci fi confections. I liked it.
Rule 34 - Stross's new novel. May not get finished. Like the big picture plot, not crazy about the details.
The Magician King - sequel to Lev Grossman's The Magicians. It's brilliant so far.
Feed (Mira Grant version this time!), Monstrumologist, White Devil, Ready Player One all waiting in the wings and chomping at the bit to be read. Too many books all at once. And this from the guy at the Library. Yes. Stereotype or Irony or whatever you prefer.
Insidious - from the guys that brought you Paranormal Activity. I liked it, lovely wife refused to watch it based on the trailer. She missed out. In spite of being three horror movies shoved into one, it worked.
True Grit - quite good. Nice acting/storytelling, breathtaking landscapes and cinematography.
M's birthday party - Letter 'd' does not pretend to understand the minds of several tween girls, but in spite of the karaoke on the PS3 they seemed to have a good time. Why would they do that to the poor PS3? Also, who let M turn 10? I do not approve of this.
And I think that catches me up to where I was. Sorry for the lack of detail.
Wireless - short story collection by Charles Stross. Features one story in the Laundry universe (Hi Bob) and other sci fi confections. I liked it.
Rule 34 - Stross's new novel. May not get finished. Like the big picture plot, not crazy about the details.
The Magician King - sequel to Lev Grossman's The Magicians. It's brilliant so far.
Feed (Mira Grant version this time!), Monstrumologist, White Devil, Ready Player One all waiting in the wings and chomping at the bit to be read. Too many books all at once. And this from the guy at the Library. Yes. Stereotype or Irony or whatever you prefer.
Insidious - from the guys that brought you Paranormal Activity. I liked it, lovely wife refused to watch it based on the trailer. She missed out. In spite of being three horror movies shoved into one, it worked.
True Grit - quite good. Nice acting/storytelling, breathtaking landscapes and cinematography.
M's birthday party - Letter 'd' does not pretend to understand the minds of several tween girls, but in spite of the karaoke on the PS3 they seemed to have a good time. Why would they do that to the poor PS3? Also, who let M turn 10? I do not approve of this.
And I think that catches me up to where I was. Sorry for the lack of detail.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Portal's Lament
So the lovely wife and I have Saved Science. Yes, the capitals are important. Which on the one hand is good - we completed the co-op campaign in Portal 2 and it was suitably brilliant. But on the other that means there are no more puzzles to do. And that is bad. I may have to play through it again to try and snag some of the trophies I missed and actually the commentary track was interesting, so I might do that too. I have heard that there should be some more content soon, so here's to hoping. Also, I need one of these. And I wouldn't mind a few Portal related bits of fun.
At the Library we send out notices to let people know they have overdue books. Quite a few of them come back undelivered as people have moved and so on. I got one in yesterday that had a large amount of handwriting on it informing us that the person was no longer there. And that we should try looking in Hell. They did express sorrow that we were cheated out of a book (most likely How to Live on the Streets and Steal from Other People). And then offered a couple suggestions on where else to look. It was quite amusing.
Also Dad has informed me that he tried his best to set himself on fire at work the other day. He is now distinctly lacking in body hair. I told him I did not recommend that course of action. Actually I think I said things more along the lines of "OHMIGOSH ARE YOU OK?" I suspect they get to reset their days without an accident counter... Fortunately he got away with a only couple first degree burns.
We had a lovely game day on Saturday. There was lots of yummy food and several games were played. I managed a rather stunning victory in Dominion as I tried out a chapel deck. It's an interesting strategy alright. Lovely wife proved to be quite the racer at Pitchcar and we managed to eke out a photo finish victory on Forbidden Island. (Honestly the movie version of that game would have been amazing - the heroes lifting off from the Island as the last bits of land sank into the ocean - truly epic.) I really enjoy game days. I think we're going to make some bleach shirts for DruCon this year.
At the Library we send out notices to let people know they have overdue books. Quite a few of them come back undelivered as people have moved and so on. I got one in yesterday that had a large amount of handwriting on it informing us that the person was no longer there. And that we should try looking in Hell. They did express sorrow that we were cheated out of a book (most likely How to Live on the Streets and Steal from Other People). And then offered a couple suggestions on where else to look. It was quite amusing.
Also Dad has informed me that he tried his best to set himself on fire at work the other day. He is now distinctly lacking in body hair. I told him I did not recommend that course of action. Actually I think I said things more along the lines of "OHMIGOSH ARE YOU OK?" I suspect they get to reset their days without an accident counter... Fortunately he got away with a only couple first degree burns.
We had a lovely game day on Saturday. There was lots of yummy food and several games were played. I managed a rather stunning victory in Dominion as I tried out a chapel deck. It's an interesting strategy alright. Lovely wife proved to be quite the racer at Pitchcar and we managed to eke out a photo finish victory on Forbidden Island. (Honestly the movie version of that game would have been amazing - the heroes lifting off from the Island as the last bits of land sank into the ocean - truly epic.) I really enjoy game days. I think we're going to make some bleach shirts for DruCon this year.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
What passes for normal
I read MT Anderson's Feed by mistake. Sort of. I meant to read it some time ago, but this time I thought I was really picking up Mira Grant's Feed. It was not terrible as mistakes go. Anderson's book is a dystopic look at kids that are constantly hooked up to the internet via implant. It constantly talks to them, pushes products at them, plays entertainment in the background - that sort of thing. A group of friends starts off on a trip to the Moon (it sucks) and while there they get hacked and are unable to connect for a bit. It's fixed and their lives go mostly back to normal. The main character met a girl while there and the story follows the two of them as they get to know each other and things start to happen to her feed. It's a terribly depressing book for lots of reasons. While I was reading it I was under the mistaken impression that a sequel was due soon (that'd be Grant's book) and so I thought there was some hope for the ending. There isn't. (To my knowledge) So, it's certainly worth reading, but bear in mind that the ending is the end. Everything must go indeed.
I've also been going through Robert Asprin's Myth books again. Still hilarious. I'm actually at the point in the series where I'm reading new material. Yay.
If you listen closely you can hear the approaching school year. It's just under two weeks away. Lovely wife is trying to decide just what her days will be like. All the kids will now be in school all day. Such a milestone. Here's to hoping she doesn't go crazy and start filling the house with pies. Or cats. Well, cats might be ok...
Lovely wife and I have been making our way through the co-op Portal 2 missions. So much fun. So devious. We are actually pretty close to saving science. With portals. There needs to be more Portal. I have heard rumors that Glados' voice actress was recording more dialog. Let's hope new content arrives soon.
I've also been going through Robert Asprin's Myth books again. Still hilarious. I'm actually at the point in the series where I'm reading new material. Yay.
If you listen closely you can hear the approaching school year. It's just under two weeks away. Lovely wife is trying to decide just what her days will be like. All the kids will now be in school all day. Such a milestone. Here's to hoping she doesn't go crazy and start filling the house with pies. Or cats. Well, cats might be ok...
Lovely wife and I have been making our way through the co-op Portal 2 missions. So much fun. So devious. We are actually pretty close to saving science. With portals. There needs to be more Portal. I have heard rumors that Glados' voice actress was recording more dialog. Let's hope new content arrives soon.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Zzzzz
I am too tired to string coherent thoughts together. Instead you should go here, for there are some truly awesome and amusing things happening there at the moment. In fact I may just set this blog up to redirect there as it would be far more enjoyable for all of you. Allegedly.
We watched Sucker Punch the other night. For a movie with no plot it was alright. Certainly pretty, but it's Snyder so that's pretty much the default setting. I can't really recommend it, but it wasn't the worst thing I've ever seen either.
I can recommend you go watch this though. Can not wait for that to come out. Day one.
I think that's about all I'm good for at the moment.
We watched Sucker Punch the other night. For a movie with no plot it was alright. Certainly pretty, but it's Snyder so that's pretty much the default setting. I can't really recommend it, but it wasn't the worst thing I've ever seen either.
I can recommend you go watch this though. Can not wait for that to come out. Day one.
I think that's about all I'm good for at the moment.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
More noise than signal
Kiss Me Deadly is a great example of film noir. Detective Mike Hammer gets roped into a case by a dame and then stumbles his way through a plot that ends with quite a bang. If you like old detective movies, this one fits the bill. Some truly wonderful moments in this one. Track it down.
Hatchet was a decent old school slasher. I'm beginning to like Adam Green. And it had some really funny lines. It would have fit right in with anything we watched in High School.
Jo Nesbo's The Snowman was an interesting Scandinavian thriller. It follows detective Harry Hole as he confronts Norway's first serial killer. Or at least first acknowledged one. I still haven't read Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but I can see why there's some appeal to foreign crime fiction. This one had a nicely escalating plot and some pretty dramatic moments. Worth reading.
I've been hearing the siren song of the Dungeon Crawl of late and so I've gotten back to Dungeon Hunter: Alliance - still lots of fun it is. Although I do not approve of giving the enemies bows. It's my job to stand back and pick them off, not the other way around. And those magic users!
My sisters have started the campaign to try and convince me to drive down to Arizona for my birthday this year early. I remain pretty steadfastly unconvinced of the merits of this campaign. Mass chaos and uncertain sleeping conditions are more bugs than features. Although, yes, it would be nice to see everyone. We should just meet in Moab and take over the Aarchway Inn again.
Fortunately it's a three day weekend. I'm feeling a strong need to sleep through it...
Hatchet was a decent old school slasher. I'm beginning to like Adam Green. And it had some really funny lines. It would have fit right in with anything we watched in High School.
Jo Nesbo's The Snowman was an interesting Scandinavian thriller. It follows detective Harry Hole as he confronts Norway's first serial killer. Or at least first acknowledged one. I still haven't read Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but I can see why there's some appeal to foreign crime fiction. This one had a nicely escalating plot and some pretty dramatic moments. Worth reading.
I've been hearing the siren song of the Dungeon Crawl of late and so I've gotten back to Dungeon Hunter: Alliance - still lots of fun it is. Although I do not approve of giving the enemies bows. It's my job to stand back and pick them off, not the other way around. And those magic users!
My sisters have started the campaign to try and convince me to drive down to Arizona for my birthday this year early. I remain pretty steadfastly unconvinced of the merits of this campaign. Mass chaos and uncertain sleeping conditions are more bugs than features. Although, yes, it would be nice to see everyone. We should just meet in Moab and take over the Aarchway Inn again.
Fortunately it's a three day weekend. I'm feeling a strong need to sleep through it...
Thursday, July 14, 2011
From amusing to not so
I recently had the chance to read The Adventures of the Princess and Mr Whiffle: The Thing Under the Bed by Patrick Rothfuss. Yes, I've mentioned him before. I am very torn on what to say about the book. It's a picture book, that's obvious from the outside. It's also subversively brilliant. I think I'll leave it as that as you should all track down a copy and read it for yourselves. If you choose to read it to young, impressionable children types stop at ending the first. You have been warned. Otherwise enjoy it. And once you've read it go back through it again and really look at the pictures (no really looking at the pictures the first time!). It's truly a brilliant book and there's a lot packed in. I'm a little in awe actually.
So. The Fit decided it was done going about a week ago. Lovely wife managed to get it into the shop bright and early this morning. Where they promptly ignored it for several hours. Not impressed. They finally did get a look at it, realized some parts were bad and then informed us that they didn't actually have said parts, but they'd show up by tomorrow at 4... Impression now below sea level. Fortunately I've been able to drive our other car to work, but that's left lovely wife a little stranded the last couple days. And we actually had things that needed to be done today. Honda won't get all that amazing a review from us this time should we actually get a survey. On top of all that lovely wife has plans tomorrow that this is once again going to get in the way of. Oh well. The silver lining is that at least the parts themselves are still under warranty so that saves us about $700. We still have to pay the $200 for installation and adjustments though. There goes the lovely little bonus we got from work the other day...
The kids have decided to re-enact that Calvin and Hobbes story line where he finds the injured critter and tries to take care of it prior to dying like most injured critters tend to do. They are going the baby bird route. I believe we have sacrificed a wash cloth and some sugar water.
The recent animated film The Illusionist (not to be confused with the Ed Norton live action flick from a few years back) by the guy that did Triplets of Belleville is amazingly beautiful to look at (and features Scotland - there are some great scenes of Edinburgh as well as landmarks that I actually recognized) but something of a downer. The rabbit is pretty awesome though. It's worth watching, but do take note that it's not exactly a happy tale.
I managed to once again squash those puny investigators as we played Mansions of Madness over the weekend. It was a pretty good game. I liked the scenario we were playing and even have a few ideas about things I'd try differently if we were to do it again. Lovely wife then proved quite the rail baron and eked out a victory in Ticket to Ride: Marklin. Gotta watch her like a hawk. That game really plays better with four or more players.
So. The Fit decided it was done going about a week ago. Lovely wife managed to get it into the shop bright and early this morning. Where they promptly ignored it for several hours. Not impressed. They finally did get a look at it, realized some parts were bad and then informed us that they didn't actually have said parts, but they'd show up by tomorrow at 4... Impression now below sea level. Fortunately I've been able to drive our other car to work, but that's left lovely wife a little stranded the last couple days. And we actually had things that needed to be done today. Honda won't get all that amazing a review from us this time should we actually get a survey. On top of all that lovely wife has plans tomorrow that this is once again going to get in the way of. Oh well. The silver lining is that at least the parts themselves are still under warranty so that saves us about $700. We still have to pay the $200 for installation and adjustments though. There goes the lovely little bonus we got from work the other day...
The kids have decided to re-enact that Calvin and Hobbes story line where he finds the injured critter and tries to take care of it prior to dying like most injured critters tend to do. They are going the baby bird route. I believe we have sacrificed a wash cloth and some sugar water.
The recent animated film The Illusionist (not to be confused with the Ed Norton live action flick from a few years back) by the guy that did Triplets of Belleville is amazingly beautiful to look at (and features Scotland - there are some great scenes of Edinburgh as well as landmarks that I actually recognized) but something of a downer. The rabbit is pretty awesome though. It's worth watching, but do take note that it's not exactly a happy tale.
I managed to once again squash those puny investigators as we played Mansions of Madness over the weekend. It was a pretty good game. I liked the scenario we were playing and even have a few ideas about things I'd try differently if we were to do it again. Lovely wife then proved quite the rail baron and eked out a victory in Ticket to Ride: Marklin. Gotta watch her like a hawk. That game really plays better with four or more players.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
In which I succumb to Eliot
Well, this morning certainly started not with a bang but a whimper. From my car that is. I went to leave for work only to have my car express different intentions. It contemplated starting up before deciding to die once placed in reverse. It then started up again only to display the check engine light a couple blocks down the road. So I came back home and stole lovely wife's van. I attempted to explain this to her, but she was less than conscious at 6 AM. Oh well. She figured it out. And ran around a bit in an effort to fix my car. So hopefully it's running a little better now. I suspect a bad batch of gas was the culprit. Engine was running lean. Whatever that means...
I have finished the Portal 2 single player campaign. And it was awesome. The ending is great. Such a great game - I highly recommend it to everyone (and some of those last puzzles are fiendish!). Now to attempt the co-op puzzles. Mwa ha ha ha.
McK did indeed place 2nd in the Girls' Softball league. So congrats to her. The were doing ok in what might have been the penultimate game until that third inning and the other team managed to rack up more points than they could overcome. Alas.
I am ready for summer to be over. In spite of the fact that it hasn't been around that long. It's seriously messing with my sleep schedule. Stupid heat. I'm in the wrapped in cotton insomnia phase. Not quite the waterbeds for cats phase.
We had a decent 4th if I ignore the stomach bug that attacked Saturday evening. Got dragged over to the letter 'r's so we could enjoy the show from their balcony. It was a nice fireworks show. Still kept me up too late. Apparently we scored them a few points with their neighbors when we shot off our fireworks. We bought one of the fancy no longer illegal types. I like fireworks. I think it would be fascinating to learn to make them.
In slightly amusing G news, he decided to play Uncharted at the park the other day and run away from the yetis while traversing the various playground equipment. So funny that kid. We're not waiting for Uncharted 3, nope, not at all.
I have finished the Portal 2 single player campaign. And it was awesome. The ending is great. Such a great game - I highly recommend it to everyone (and some of those last puzzles are fiendish!). Now to attempt the co-op puzzles. Mwa ha ha ha.
McK did indeed place 2nd in the Girls' Softball league. So congrats to her. The were doing ok in what might have been the penultimate game until that third inning and the other team managed to rack up more points than they could overcome. Alas.
I am ready for summer to be over. In spite of the fact that it hasn't been around that long. It's seriously messing with my sleep schedule. Stupid heat. I'm in the wrapped in cotton insomnia phase. Not quite the waterbeds for cats phase.
We had a decent 4th if I ignore the stomach bug that attacked Saturday evening. Got dragged over to the letter 'r's so we could enjoy the show from their balcony. It was a nice fireworks show. Still kept me up too late. Apparently we scored them a few points with their neighbors when we shot off our fireworks. We bought one of the fancy no longer illegal types. I like fireworks. I think it would be fascinating to learn to make them.
In slightly amusing G news, he decided to play Uncharted at the park the other day and run away from the yetis while traversing the various playground equipment. So funny that kid. We're not waiting for Uncharted 3, nope, not at all.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Back in the saddle
Books. Games. A week off. So many things. Where to start?
We had a great visit with Dad while he was out. They're always too short and too few. We only had a couple small projects for him this time. We installed a digital thermostat and replaced the light fixture that decided to throw itself to the floor when we replaced the roof. The rest of the time was spent visiting the park or hitting Liberty Land or the pool or the driving range. It was a pretty eventful trip. There was some relaxing in there as well. I also learned that Dad is pretty incapable of walking and looking while trying to play Portal 2. Oh well, nobody's perfect... G enjoyed the laser tag (and the pirate game - don't ask) as did the girls. Although our poor team didn't fare very well. I managed the top spot on our team and 11th overall ranking. Somehow.
While at Liberty Land we also had a lot of fun with a video game version of that scene from Entrapment - you go into this little room and hit the start button to make a bunch of lasers show up, you then have to make your way to the other side of the room, hit a button and then make your way back to hit the stop button. All while trying to do it as quickly as possible and without hitting the lasers. Good fun.
Mostly as I can't be bothered with in depth thoughts on the following here are some quick responses on the many things I've read recently:
Reality is Broken - save the world through gaming. Some interesting ideas, not convinced of her conclusions. worth reading and talking about though.
Demonglass - the second Hex Hall book. Silly good fun. And such a cliffhanger!
Robopocalypse - World War Z with robots. Some of the world building is a little lacking, but pretty fun. Read it.
Fullmetal Alchemist volumes something or other to 24 - good. Series is winding up. What's going to happen? Also a lot gorier than earlier installments.
That should cover the books. I've also been playing a fair amount of Portal 2. It was a Father's Day gift and it's brilliant. So funny. If you like puzzles at all and have a sense of humor you need to be playing this game. There is nothing better than making your way through a tricky room and then getting some hilarious dialog as a reward. The co-op is pretty good as well. Best new game I've played.
I've also been toying around with the Uncharted 3 multi player beta. Now that they've released an update it seems more stable. I can't wait for the actual game. The multi player is decent. I'm horrible at it, but it's fun.
McK has her final softball game of the season tonight (barring possible thunderstorms). Somehow her team managed to make it to the last game. So her team will most likely place second, but still anything is possible. Good luck McK!
We had a great visit with Dad while he was out. They're always too short and too few. We only had a couple small projects for him this time. We installed a digital thermostat and replaced the light fixture that decided to throw itself to the floor when we replaced the roof. The rest of the time was spent visiting the park or hitting Liberty Land or the pool or the driving range. It was a pretty eventful trip. There was some relaxing in there as well. I also learned that Dad is pretty incapable of walking and looking while trying to play Portal 2. Oh well, nobody's perfect... G enjoyed the laser tag (and the pirate game - don't ask) as did the girls. Although our poor team didn't fare very well. I managed the top spot on our team and 11th overall ranking. Somehow.
While at Liberty Land we also had a lot of fun with a video game version of that scene from Entrapment - you go into this little room and hit the start button to make a bunch of lasers show up, you then have to make your way to the other side of the room, hit a button and then make your way back to hit the stop button. All while trying to do it as quickly as possible and without hitting the lasers. Good fun.
Mostly as I can't be bothered with in depth thoughts on the following here are some quick responses on the many things I've read recently:
Reality is Broken - save the world through gaming. Some interesting ideas, not convinced of her conclusions. worth reading and talking about though.
Demonglass - the second Hex Hall book. Silly good fun. And such a cliffhanger!
Robopocalypse - World War Z with robots. Some of the world building is a little lacking, but pretty fun. Read it.
Fullmetal Alchemist volumes something or other to 24 - good. Series is winding up. What's going to happen? Also a lot gorier than earlier installments.
That should cover the books. I've also been playing a fair amount of Portal 2. It was a Father's Day gift and it's brilliant. So funny. If you like puzzles at all and have a sense of humor you need to be playing this game. There is nothing better than making your way through a tricky room and then getting some hilarious dialog as a reward. The co-op is pretty good as well. Best new game I've played.
I've also been toying around with the Uncharted 3 multi player beta. Now that they've released an update it seems more stable. I can't wait for the actual game. The multi player is decent. I'm horrible at it, but it's fun.
McK has her final softball game of the season tonight (barring possible thunderstorms). Somehow her team managed to make it to the last game. So her team will most likely place second, but still anything is possible. Good luck McK!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Camping, random places on the net
First, I'll just leave these here, shall I? Thing 1 and Thing 2. I should also point out that there's a lot of funny stuff if you hit the main page for Thing 2.
So. I ventured out into the wild and survived the Fathers and Sons camp out over the weekend. G was pleased. The camp site was actually pretty nice - we were in a group spot that had well manicured grass and some tables and a fire pit and so on. There was a nice little pavilion with restrooms and a man made reservoir sort of thing that you could theoretically swim or fish in. I got roped into telling a bear story for the evening get together. It was very last minute. The tent we were in was nice, it even had a little "porch" area that was screened in. Very cool. The air mattress we brought along could have used a little more air in it and I would have liked to have gotten some (any) sleep that night, but overall it was not the worst experience ever.
We picked up Hive for our anniversary. Well, lovely wife ended up giving it to me, but whatever. After a rather argumentative first game we've managed to get things sorted out a bit. It's actually pretty fun and is one of those games you can take anywhere. In fact we played it at JCWs the other night. It's a two player game in which you each have a set of pieces that represent various bugs. The bee piece is your important piece and the object is to surround your opponent's bee with pieces of your color. There are 4 different bugs (not counting the bee or the expansion pieces) that you can use in various ways to accomplish this (you have several of each type). The pieces are hexagonal, so you'll eventually need 6 of them to win the game. You take turns placing pieces or moving the existing ones around, so the "board" is built over the course of the game. It's a decent little strategy game. McK is actually pretty good at it and has managed some wins over lovely wife.
I finished off Evangelion. I suspect most people (and possibly myself in the future) can simply watch the first 24 episodes and call it good. 25 and 26 offer a navel-gaze-y alternate take to the ending. Or expansion of the ending. Death and Rebirth is mostly pointless if you have access to the TV series and End of Evangelion. End of Evangelion does offer some relatively interesting plotting that happens where the TV series left off, but then also goes all navel gaze-y. I understand why those parts do have some meaning, especially in context of the show as a whole, but I prefer the straight story telling. So yeah, fun subversion of the giant robot genre, but not really for everyone. Especially the end bits. I like it. And the revamp the new movies are doing.
Vacation looms in my future. Dad should be out soon and that will be fun. I think I may try taking him to the driving range and hitting a bucket of balls. It will be nice to have a bit of a break. I could use one.
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Maybe something about fish tacos?
I really don't have anything worth passing along. I did make it to one of McK's softball games over the weekend. It was ... interesting. Granted they had maybe 3 practices at the beginning of the season and a few games/practices since then, but it was only occasionally softball being played. The other team was one member short and so if our team managed a decent hit, points tended to be scored. I've heard they've pulled together a little more since, but I suspect the winner is still determined by who plays less badly... ^_^
Lovely wife and I managed to find a restaurant to celebrate our anniversary in. A new place called the Blue Lemon. It's either a decent priced trendy place or a slightly high priced sit down place. Guess it depends on how you see your glass of cucumber water (which was strangely delicious). I had fish tacos (served fajita style) and lovely wife had some grilled chicken with sun dried tomatoes and artichoke. It was actually a pretty nice place and I'd eat there again. Food was good and the atmosphere was nice if a bit loud.
G and I have been playing some Little Big Planet courtesy of the Welcome Back package Sony offered after PSN came back. It's a cute little game. Better than I expected it to be. Would like to mess around with creating levels, but I'm sure it's a little more difficult than I expect it to be.
Speaking of G I am getting dragged to the Fathers and Sons camp out this weekend. He is excited, I am not. I'm mostly hoping to just make it through the event. Especially as I've done something horrific to my neck/shoulder and haven't been able to sit/sleep/do much of anything for the last few days. Alas.
Lovely wife and I managed to find a restaurant to celebrate our anniversary in. A new place called the Blue Lemon. It's either a decent priced trendy place or a slightly high priced sit down place. Guess it depends on how you see your glass of cucumber water (which was strangely delicious). I had fish tacos (served fajita style) and lovely wife had some grilled chicken with sun dried tomatoes and artichoke. It was actually a pretty nice place and I'd eat there again. Food was good and the atmosphere was nice if a bit loud.
G and I have been playing some Little Big Planet courtesy of the Welcome Back package Sony offered after PSN came back. It's a cute little game. Better than I expected it to be. Would like to mess around with creating levels, but I'm sure it's a little more difficult than I expect it to be.
Speaking of G I am getting dragged to the Fathers and Sons camp out this weekend. He is excited, I am not. I'm mostly hoping to just make it through the event. Especially as I've done something horrific to my neck/shoulder and haven't been able to sit/sleep/do much of anything for the last few days. Alas.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
More thoughts on giant robots and grave robbing and evil plans
I have indeed started watching the TV series version of Evangelion again. I'm not certain I can pinpoint why this series is fascinating me at the moment, but it is. I suppose it might be the way it subverts the traditional giant robot genre (ok, not really) or it might be the philosophical treatise it weaves on why we need each other (definitely not) it's probably just the dance dance giant robot sequence in one of the upcoming episodes...
I have finished Rotters by Daniel Kraus. Yes, it's a book about grave robbing. And yes it can be pretty disgusting at times, but boy is it awesome. Little sis needs to hit the local library and check this one out. Joey Crouch loses his Mom at the beginning of the book and, per her wishes, is sent to live with the Dad he barely knows exists. Once in the tiny town he calls home he discovers that the townsfolk are none too impressed with his Father and that overshadows a lot of his life at school. The beginning of the book sets up the pieces - Joey, his Dad, his Dad's profession, the kids at school, the teachers, etc. and then the rest of the book is a serious roller coaster of events that you just can't quite believe. Just when you think the story has topped out at the craziest thing that can happen something else comes along and demolishes it. Rotters builds to a crescendo of ... well that would be telling, but believe me, it's a crescendo. And it's one heck of a ride. So, if you can stomach the subject matter, definitely give this one a go.
The roof is finished. We managed to make use of the two sunny days we had and got it done. So yay for that. Also a happy birthday to lovely wife's Mom. Wish you were here, we'd have a party. Dad's birthday is coming up quick (and he'll be out soon so we can have something similar to a party) and in between is some sort of anniversary or something. I forget.
16 years.
Actually, there was an interesting bit in Reality is Broken (the current book I'm reading - save the world through gaming says Jane McGonigal) about how one of the emotions that gaming encourages and we need is "happy embarrassment". That teasing we do to those we trust. So apparently there is a purpose to all that trash talking. See dear? I'm doing it for your own good. Who knew?
Which leads to another funny story. Here, allow me to cut and paste from a nightmare McK had early this morning (while changing pronouns):
Apparently I told lovely wife that I had a big gift for her for our anniversary and when she asked what it was, I said a divorce and gave her the weekend to pack up and move out of the house, taking M and G with her and leaving Mck with me. Dream then jumps to thanksgiving where we get together as a family one last time and I announce I am getting remarried and McK hates my girlfriend.
Which, ok, bizarre nightmare spawned by one too many jokes at the dinner table or a friend going through it, or something she read, or one too many viewings of the Parent Trap or whatever. The funny bit was my reply to lovely wife where I told her that if I was really mean I'd use me secret dream knowledge for EVIL and get home tonight and at dinner announce I had a big gift for her for our anniversary. I can't decide if I'm that evil or not. But it still makes me chuckle a little bit to think about. So I'm at least a little evil. But we all knew that.
I have finished Rotters by Daniel Kraus. Yes, it's a book about grave robbing. And yes it can be pretty disgusting at times, but boy is it awesome. Little sis needs to hit the local library and check this one out. Joey Crouch loses his Mom at the beginning of the book and, per her wishes, is sent to live with the Dad he barely knows exists. Once in the tiny town he calls home he discovers that the townsfolk are none too impressed with his Father and that overshadows a lot of his life at school. The beginning of the book sets up the pieces - Joey, his Dad, his Dad's profession, the kids at school, the teachers, etc. and then the rest of the book is a serious roller coaster of events that you just can't quite believe. Just when you think the story has topped out at the craziest thing that can happen something else comes along and demolishes it. Rotters builds to a crescendo of ... well that would be telling, but believe me, it's a crescendo. And it's one heck of a ride. So, if you can stomach the subject matter, definitely give this one a go.
The roof is finished. We managed to make use of the two sunny days we had and got it done. So yay for that. Also a happy birthday to lovely wife's Mom. Wish you were here, we'd have a party. Dad's birthday is coming up quick (and he'll be out soon so we can have something similar to a party) and in between is some sort of anniversary or something. I forget.
16 years.
Actually, there was an interesting bit in Reality is Broken (the current book I'm reading - save the world through gaming says Jane McGonigal) about how one of the emotions that gaming encourages and we need is "happy embarrassment". That teasing we do to those we trust. So apparently there is a purpose to all that trash talking. See dear? I'm doing it for your own good. Who knew?
Which leads to another funny story. Here, allow me to cut and paste from a nightmare McK had early this morning (while changing pronouns):
Apparently I told lovely wife that I had a big gift for her for our anniversary and when she asked what it was, I said a divorce and gave her the weekend to pack up and move out of the house, taking M and G with her and leaving Mck with me. Dream then jumps to thanksgiving where we get together as a family one last time and I announce I am getting remarried and McK hates my girlfriend.
Which, ok, bizarre nightmare spawned by one too many jokes at the dinner table or a friend going through it, or something she read, or one too many viewings of the Parent Trap or whatever. The funny bit was my reply to lovely wife where I told her that if I was really mean I'd use me secret dream knowledge for EVIL and get home tonight and at dinner announce I had a big gift for her for our anniversary. I can't decide if I'm that evil or not. But it still makes me chuckle a little bit to think about. So I'm at least a little evil. But we all knew that.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Giant robots, virtual worlds, it all ends in the grave
Last night lovely wife and I watched Summer Wars, an anime movie by the guy that did The Girl Who Leapt through Time. I liked this one quite a bit. It's got some great messages about family and life. Natsuki hires Kenji for a four day summer job (as her fiance he finds out a little too late). While meeting and dealing with her family (led by a most awesome 90 year old Great Grandmother) the virtual world OZ that runs pretty much the entire planet comes under attack. And Kenji seems to be at fault for that as well. There's a fair amount of humor and tension and Hanafuda cards. It really is worth seeing. Even if that description doesn't fill you with excitement (Hanafuda cards! Are you emotionally dead?!) Lovely wife recommends it as well, so there you go.
A while back (years) we watched Neon Genesis Evangelion, an anime series that turned the Giant Robot genre on its head. I found it pretty fascinating even though it got really strange towards the end. It didn't help that Gainax (the studio creating the show) ran out of money and lots of corners were cut and so on. There were a couple movies that attempted to summarize and retell the ending of the TV show, but those didn't really clear things up either. So they've once again decided to try their hand at telling this story. They're rebuilding Evangelion over the course of 4 movies. The first two are currently out on DVD. 1.11 - You Are (Not) Alone and 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance. The first movie follows the plot of the TV series pretty closely. The second starts to deviate in significant ways and ends on one heck of a cliffhanger. I've found them to be a lot of fun to watch. The second one was better in my opinion - it features a lot of humor and a lot of truly shocking/heart wrenching moments. The problem is, I think you almost have to have seen the TV show to really appreciate it. I'm really not sure what a complete new comer would make of it. Heck, I don't remember all the details and as I did a little digging on Wikipedia there are things that suddenly make a lot more sense as I look back at them. I may have to watch the original series again.
I'll save most of my thoughts for when I finish, but Rotters is awesome. It's a book about grave robbing. (Did I mention it's awesome?)
We need to replace our roof. Unfortunately this means tearing off the old roof and putting new shingles on. Normally this wouldn't be a problem. Except we're having the weirdest Spring we've had in years. A lot of rain and so on. So at the moment it's half done. We managed to get the lower roof torn down and re-shingled. Now we just need a good enough break in the weather we can do the last half... I am glad I'm not a roofer. I was extremely sore that next day. Honestly I'm impressed I made it up on the roof. Really don't like heights. I've narrowed it down a touch more to really not liking ladders.
Thoughts and prayers go out to little sis and family and letter 'r' and family. You could all use a break.
Apparently McK is enjoying softball. And has managed to score a couple points.
A while back (years) we watched Neon Genesis Evangelion, an anime series that turned the Giant Robot genre on its head. I found it pretty fascinating even though it got really strange towards the end. It didn't help that Gainax (the studio creating the show) ran out of money and lots of corners were cut and so on. There were a couple movies that attempted to summarize and retell the ending of the TV show, but those didn't really clear things up either. So they've once again decided to try their hand at telling this story. They're rebuilding Evangelion over the course of 4 movies. The first two are currently out on DVD. 1.11 - You Are (Not) Alone and 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance. The first movie follows the plot of the TV series pretty closely. The second starts to deviate in significant ways and ends on one heck of a cliffhanger. I've found them to be a lot of fun to watch. The second one was better in my opinion - it features a lot of humor and a lot of truly shocking/heart wrenching moments. The problem is, I think you almost have to have seen the TV show to really appreciate it. I'm really not sure what a complete new comer would make of it. Heck, I don't remember all the details and as I did a little digging on Wikipedia there are things that suddenly make a lot more sense as I look back at them. I may have to watch the original series again.
I'll save most of my thoughts for when I finish, but Rotters is awesome. It's a book about grave robbing. (Did I mention it's awesome?)
We need to replace our roof. Unfortunately this means tearing off the old roof and putting new shingles on. Normally this wouldn't be a problem. Except we're having the weirdest Spring we've had in years. A lot of rain and so on. So at the moment it's half done. We managed to get the lower roof torn down and re-shingled. Now we just need a good enough break in the weather we can do the last half... I am glad I'm not a roofer. I was extremely sore that next day. Honestly I'm impressed I made it up on the roof. Really don't like heights. I've narrowed it down a touch more to really not liking ladders.
Thoughts and prayers go out to little sis and family and letter 'r' and family. You could all use a break.
Apparently McK is enjoying softball. And has managed to score a couple points.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Scratch that, here comes the rain
So. We were supposed to start tearing off our old roof in preparation for the new roof today. It's raining. A lot. And has been for a few days now. This is making things difficult. Also, due to unfamiliarity with new basement layout due to new couch I decided to seriously stub my toes resulting in one partially ripped off toenail and a possible second toenail that may fall off. And last night G crawled into bed claiming fear of rain or something, took over most of my side of the bed causing me to sleep in some odd contortion that has left me with debilitating neck/back pain since this morning. Which 3 Motrin and 2 Aleve have done absolutely nothing to fix.
I am not a happy camper right now.
I could relay the True Tale of Postal Stupidity that occurred yesterday, but that would just push things over the edge. Rest assured that there is indeed a reason the USPS is going under right now. And I am privy to it.
We managed to give our talks last Sunday. It went fine. I had to chop mine roughly in half as there just wasn't a lot of time left. I was ok with that.
We are currently caught up on our DVD viewing from the Library. Weird. I have no idea what to do in the evenings now. Although tonight will involve the Mentalist season finale. Lovely wife seemed to think we could actually talk to each other. I may start referring to her as Silly wife if that keeps up. (Actually we talk all the time, I blame that for our upcoming anniversary. Hmm. Maybe I'll get her a lack of talking for an anniversary gift...)
Anyway, I absolutely can not focus any more due to the spike that is currently being driven into the back of my neck. So, go forth and internet.
I am not a happy camper right now.
I could relay the True Tale of Postal Stupidity that occurred yesterday, but that would just push things over the edge. Rest assured that there is indeed a reason the USPS is going under right now. And I am privy to it.
We managed to give our talks last Sunday. It went fine. I had to chop mine roughly in half as there just wasn't a lot of time left. I was ok with that.
We are currently caught up on our DVD viewing from the Library. Weird. I have no idea what to do in the evenings now. Although tonight will involve the Mentalist season finale. Lovely wife seemed to think we could actually talk to each other. I may start referring to her as Silly wife if that keeps up. (Actually we talk all the time, I blame that for our upcoming anniversary. Hmm. Maybe I'll get her a lack of talking for an anniversary gift...)
Anyway, I absolutely can not focus any more due to the spike that is currently being driven into the back of my neck. So, go forth and internet.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Here comes the sun
I've actually been able to sit outside at lunch time and read. It's been quite nice. Although it means that once again the grass (and the dandelions, oh the dandelions) will start growing uncontrollably.
Christopher Farnsworth's The President's Vampire is the sequel to Blood Oath. About, well, the President's vampire. (Attack vampire! Attack!) It's a decent summer popcorn book. There are a lot more overt Lovecraftian nods in this one (my favorite was Connecticut Hulu or something along those lines) mostly to the Innsmouth bits. I will have you know that my Rock Band band name is Innsmouth Look. This did not color my judgement of this particular story however. Cade is back with Zach who is once again playing go between for him and the real world. Things are bad, world is in danger, etc. etc. Like I said typical summer popcorn book. Or beach read if you prefer. It succeeds at what it is. I enjoy the series well enough and will read more. If you like action-y books with slight horror overtones, pick this one up. Also Bin Laden is killed off at the beginning. I believe the book came out something like 4 days prior to the real world execution. I don't think Farnsworth minded the timing...
I finished Heavy Rain. I did not get the best ending although I didn't do too badly. It was quite a game. Very tense. Probably one of the most immersive games I've ever played. I suspect I'll play through it again to see what I can change in the story line. I've been pretty impressed with the PS3's library so far. Of the handful of games I own a lot of them are games that I would play through multiple times (or have). That doesn't happen a lot. I tend to play through and be done.
McK is now officially a teenager. And she has officially acquired her Kindle. After playing with the device some I have determined that they're not really for me. I keep wanting it to do other things. I suspect I'd be far more at home with an iPad. It can do the ebook thing and also surf the web and play games and handle video content and yadda yadda. I don't really feel the need to have a device that's just for books like an iPod is for music. It's cool that you can shove a bunch of them on there and I can see how it would be handy when traveling, but that's about it. Otherwise I'm fine with an actual book. (In fact I think I like them better) Although it is pretty cool to have all of Lovecraft's stuff on the device. Well most of it. Hey look, Innsmouth...
Lovely wife had a suitably lovely Mother's Day. I missed Mom some once again, but it was fun watching the kids try to spoil lovely wife. She even managed to get the girls to make a passable Chicken Divan.
Christopher Farnsworth's The President's Vampire is the sequel to Blood Oath. About, well, the President's vampire. (Attack vampire! Attack!) It's a decent summer popcorn book. There are a lot more overt Lovecraftian nods in this one (my favorite was Connecticut Hulu or something along those lines) mostly to the Innsmouth bits. I will have you know that my Rock Band band name is Innsmouth Look. This did not color my judgement of this particular story however. Cade is back with Zach who is once again playing go between for him and the real world. Things are bad, world is in danger, etc. etc. Like I said typical summer popcorn book. Or beach read if you prefer. It succeeds at what it is. I enjoy the series well enough and will read more. If you like action-y books with slight horror overtones, pick this one up. Also Bin Laden is killed off at the beginning. I believe the book came out something like 4 days prior to the real world execution. I don't think Farnsworth minded the timing...
I finished Heavy Rain. I did not get the best ending although I didn't do too badly. It was quite a game. Very tense. Probably one of the most immersive games I've ever played. I suspect I'll play through it again to see what I can change in the story line. I've been pretty impressed with the PS3's library so far. Of the handful of games I own a lot of them are games that I would play through multiple times (or have). That doesn't happen a lot. I tend to play through and be done.
McK is now officially a teenager. And she has officially acquired her Kindle. After playing with the device some I have determined that they're not really for me. I keep wanting it to do other things. I suspect I'd be far more at home with an iPad. It can do the ebook thing and also surf the web and play games and handle video content and yadda yadda. I don't really feel the need to have a device that's just for books like an iPod is for music. It's cool that you can shove a bunch of them on there and I can see how it would be handy when traveling, but that's about it. Otherwise I'm fine with an actual book. (In fact I think I like them better) Although it is pretty cool to have all of Lovecraft's stuff on the device. Well most of it. Hey look, Innsmouth...
Lovely wife had a suitably lovely Mother's Day. I missed Mom some once again, but it was fun watching the kids try to spoil lovely wife. She even managed to get the girls to make a passable Chicken Divan.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Neverending amusement
Let's talk about Haruhi Suzumiya for a second. Lovely wife and I just finished watching the second season of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. It's sort of an odd creature, much like Haruhi herself. It's an anime series that follows some high school students as they are drawn to and influenced by the titular Haruhi for varying reasons. She forms an afterschool club (the SOS Brigade) in order to solve mysteries and hunt down aliens, time travelers, espers, etc. Never cottoning on to the fact that 3/5 of said brigade is made up of just that. Haruhi has the ability to alter reality to suit her whims. Kyon, the male protagonist, is your relatively normal high school guy who just happens to be the one guy Haruhi secretly relies on. The rest of them are trying to keep an eye on her/keep her from destroying the universe. It's good wacky fun.
Season two of the show is infamous for one (well 8) specific reason(s). The Endless 8 arc is eight episodes where the characters are caught in a time loop reliving the same 2 weeks of summer over and over. And the eight episodes are virtually the same. To be fair, the first, second and final episodes do have some differences - the introduction of the arc, the cottoning on to being stuck in the loop and the resolution, but the other 5 are all variations on the theme. The outfits they wear to the various activities change, the lines are spoken slightly differently but that's about it. It really is the same episode eight times. And it's brilliant. Personally I found it to be a great rendition of the "stuck in a time loop" story. And it makes for a great joke. Mostly because they actually carried it on for eight episodes. If they'd gone fewer, it would have lessened the impact and more would have killed it. There are those that think that eight killed it. They're wrong. I hadn't actually intended to watch all eight episodes, but found myself intrigued by what little changes would occur and so went ahead and watched them all. The rest of the season involves a trip to the past to see the event that started everyone's interest in Haruhi and the making of the movie they show in season one. Also fun episodes.
So yeah, Haruhi is pretty great...
Uzumaki is a silly Japanese horror movie. The spirals are going to get you. There are a couple moments that are decent, but over all this one is a pass.
McK officially joins the ranks of teenager-dom in a few days. She's not as ready as she thinks she is. Although certainly more ready than I think she is too. Lovely wife's Dad decided she needed a Kindle to celebrate the occasion. I'm not as convinced, but it's already in the house, so I guess we'll see how that goes. Considering I don't really spend money on books now that I work in a Library, it may end up being the emptiest Kindle in existence. Feel free to contribute to the Kindle fund if you feel so inclined. Although the first thing I'm putting on there is a collection of Lovecraft. After that she can start to tailor it to her interests. Mwa ha ha ha ha. (While it's nominally hers, the rest of the family gets a chance to play with it too)
G once again decided to add character to his face by throwing himself off his bike. Managed some pretty good scrapes in addition to a black eye and some swelling. Little dude looked pretty pathetic that first night. Especially after lovely wife insisted on mummifying him in gauze and tape. He's doing better now, although there's definitely still some bruising.
I guess I should mention M, lest she suffer even more from middle child syndrome. She had a concert last night that ran far too late and neither of us made it to. (Although apparently we should have gone as we might have missed getting asked to speak in Church in a week...) So we are indeed doing our part to make sure she has Severe Parental Issues. Other than that she's fine. Girl is part weed - she lives outdoors and insists on growing no matter what you do.
Never play 7 Wonders with the letter 'r'. Unless you like losing. Badly. Good thing the game is fun to play, pretty much regardless of how it ends. I just like seeing my little civilization take shape.
Season two of the show is infamous for one (well 8) specific reason(s). The Endless 8 arc is eight episodes where the characters are caught in a time loop reliving the same 2 weeks of summer over and over. And the eight episodes are virtually the same. To be fair, the first, second and final episodes do have some differences - the introduction of the arc, the cottoning on to being stuck in the loop and the resolution, but the other 5 are all variations on the theme. The outfits they wear to the various activities change, the lines are spoken slightly differently but that's about it. It really is the same episode eight times. And it's brilliant. Personally I found it to be a great rendition of the "stuck in a time loop" story. And it makes for a great joke. Mostly because they actually carried it on for eight episodes. If they'd gone fewer, it would have lessened the impact and more would have killed it. There are those that think that eight killed it. They're wrong. I hadn't actually intended to watch all eight episodes, but found myself intrigued by what little changes would occur and so went ahead and watched them all. The rest of the season involves a trip to the past to see the event that started everyone's interest in Haruhi and the making of the movie they show in season one. Also fun episodes.
So yeah, Haruhi is pretty great...
Uzumaki is a silly Japanese horror movie. The spirals are going to get you. There are a couple moments that are decent, but over all this one is a pass.
McK officially joins the ranks of teenager-dom in a few days. She's not as ready as she thinks she is. Although certainly more ready than I think she is too. Lovely wife's Dad decided she needed a Kindle to celebrate the occasion. I'm not as convinced, but it's already in the house, so I guess we'll see how that goes. Considering I don't really spend money on books now that I work in a Library, it may end up being the emptiest Kindle in existence. Feel free to contribute to the Kindle fund if you feel so inclined. Although the first thing I'm putting on there is a collection of Lovecraft. After that she can start to tailor it to her interests. Mwa ha ha ha ha. (While it's nominally hers, the rest of the family gets a chance to play with it too)
G once again decided to add character to his face by throwing himself off his bike. Managed some pretty good scrapes in addition to a black eye and some swelling. Little dude looked pretty pathetic that first night. Especially after lovely wife insisted on mummifying him in gauze and tape. He's doing better now, although there's definitely still some bruising.
I guess I should mention M, lest she suffer even more from middle child syndrome. She had a concert last night that ran far too late and neither of us made it to. (Although apparently we should have gone as we might have missed getting asked to speak in Church in a week...) So we are indeed doing our part to make sure she has Severe Parental Issues. Other than that she's fine. Girl is part weed - she lives outdoors and insists on growing no matter what you do.
Never play 7 Wonders with the letter 'r'. Unless you like losing. Badly. Good thing the game is fun to play, pretty much regardless of how it ends. I just like seeing my little civilization take shape.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Yeah, I got nothin'
I hate Spring. It plays absolute havoc with my sinuses and forces me to get out the lawn mower. Stupid Spring... Summer isn't much better.
We watched Harry Potter 7.1. It was horrible. This is mostly due to the fact that the first half of the seventh book is just about the most wretched thing in existence. I actually have some small hopes for the second half this summer. They are based on the fact that the end of the first half did start getting a touch better. It will be interesting to see if nothing else. I really don't know why they let Rowling get away with that travesty that was the first half. Oh yeah, she made a ton of money...
Lovely wife and I went to Rubio's the other day. Fish tacos are yummy. I had the blackened mahi mahi and it was great. I may have to learn to make fish tacos now. I wonder if I can pull that off on the grill... Hmm. How exactly do you grill fish? Don't you need a smaller grill surface? Do you put something down? I shall have to investigate.
20th Century Boys continues to be fun to read. I'm somewhere in the middle of the series, so I won't bore you with details.
I suppose I should have an opinion on the absolutely massive data theft Sony went through this past week. Especially since I'm one of the people affected by it. It doesn't look like credit card data was stolen, but just about everything else was. I'm certainly a touch annoyed, but mostly we're trying to keep an eye out to make sure our accounts are ok. Time to change some passwords as well I suspect. I can tell you that I'll pretty much stick to prepaid cards from this point on. I almost tried to figure out how to yank my credit card data out of there a while back as well... That'll teach me.
We watched Harry Potter 7.1. It was horrible. This is mostly due to the fact that the first half of the seventh book is just about the most wretched thing in existence. I actually have some small hopes for the second half this summer. They are based on the fact that the end of the first half did start getting a touch better. It will be interesting to see if nothing else. I really don't know why they let Rowling get away with that travesty that was the first half. Oh yeah, she made a ton of money...
Lovely wife and I went to Rubio's the other day. Fish tacos are yummy. I had the blackened mahi mahi and it was great. I may have to learn to make fish tacos now. I wonder if I can pull that off on the grill... Hmm. How exactly do you grill fish? Don't you need a smaller grill surface? Do you put something down? I shall have to investigate.
20th Century Boys continues to be fun to read. I'm somewhere in the middle of the series, so I won't bore you with details.
I suppose I should have an opinion on the absolutely massive data theft Sony went through this past week. Especially since I'm one of the people affected by it. It doesn't look like credit card data was stolen, but just about everything else was. I'm certainly a touch annoyed, but mostly we're trying to keep an eye out to make sure our accounts are ok. Time to change some passwords as well I suspect. I can tell you that I'll pretty much stick to prepaid cards from this point on. I almost tried to figure out how to yank my credit card data out of there a while back as well... That'll teach me.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Bigger on the inside
I don't remember quite how old I was when I started watching Dr Who. Very few of my memories are tied to specific dates. Honestly very few of them are tied to specifics. I remember snatches of things and emotions attached to those bits of ephemera. But I remember watching it. Tom Baker was the current incarnation (he of the scarf and curly hair) and of the companions that orbited around him Sarah Jane was the one that stood out. I have fond memories of those times and, to me, Elisabeth Sladen was the epitome of the Doctor's companion. I loved her - she was funny and smart and cute and tough and you get the idea. Which is why I was terribly saddened earlier this week to learn that she had passed away. I'm not sure why it's hit me the way it has. Part of it is probably the little memories that people are sharing around the internet that match my own. Part of it is nostalgia I suspect. But regardless of why, she will be missed. It was great to see her again on the new series and from the sounds of things I need to give her spinoff a try. Rest in peace Elisabeth, you will be missed. Here's a lovely little song that Neil Gaiman tweeted right after the news broke.
In an obvious segue, the new season of Dr Who starts up this weekend. I'm sure we shall be gathered around the tv to watch. If for no other reason than to see what happens until Neil Gaiman's episode shows up to make little kids hide behind the couch and cry.
We wrapped up the second season of School Rumble. It was a different sort of experience from the first season. There was a very loose plot that wandered through the episodes (Tenma still pines for Karasuma and Harima still pines for Tenma and so on) but for the most part they focused on parodying various sources - Power Rangers, sports shows, I think there was even a Drifting Classroom reference. So if you knew what they were going for it could be pretty amusing. Other times it was just weird. And, of course, in typical romantic comedy fashion, they didn't really resolve any of the relationships. In fact I suspect things were actually a touch murkier than they started out. The manga is probably still ongoing and the anime may well be also. I liked it, lovely wife a bit less so, but I'd certainly be open to more. And if there was some progress, so would lovely wife.
Polished off Making Money by Terry Pratchett. It was typical Discworld fun. I don't know that I have that much more to say about it.
A Happy Easter in advance to all of you.
In an obvious segue, the new season of Dr Who starts up this weekend. I'm sure we shall be gathered around the tv to watch. If for no other reason than to see what happens until Neil Gaiman's episode shows up to make little kids hide behind the couch and cry.
We wrapped up the second season of School Rumble. It was a different sort of experience from the first season. There was a very loose plot that wandered through the episodes (Tenma still pines for Karasuma and Harima still pines for Tenma and so on) but for the most part they focused on parodying various sources - Power Rangers, sports shows, I think there was even a Drifting Classroom reference. So if you knew what they were going for it could be pretty amusing. Other times it was just weird. And, of course, in typical romantic comedy fashion, they didn't really resolve any of the relationships. In fact I suspect things were actually a touch murkier than they started out. The manga is probably still ongoing and the anime may well be also. I liked it, lovely wife a bit less so, but I'd certainly be open to more. And if there was some progress, so would lovely wife.
Polished off Making Money by Terry Pratchett. It was typical Discworld fun. I don't know that I have that much more to say about it.
A Happy Easter in advance to all of you.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
I dunno . . . stuff
Honestly I don't know that there's really anything worth rambling on about. I'm getting some enjoyment out of the Tomb Raider Trilogy currently out. I'm playing through Anniversary at the moment as I wanted to see how they handled the remake of the original game. It's fun. And far easier to play in parts than the original was. Which isn't to say it's without fault. The camera in this game is downright swimmy. I actually can't play too much at a time or it just leaves me with a headache. It's too loose or something. Not entirely certain how to describe it. And there are still some needless deaths due to not being able to quite line up. That's one thing I like about Uncharted. For the most part it knows where you're jumping and just lets you do it. Occasionally you'll be a little off, but not nearly as badly as here. Look forward to the other games.
I picked up Dungeon Hunter: Alliance as I wanted a fun little hack and slash game. It's just now out on PSN. If there are any other dungeon crawling dudes out there that want to co-op through the game, let me know. (And the Might and Magic demo is pretty cool too...)
A Happy Birthday goes out to little sis. She claims to be getting old. I roll my eyes at her. And her comments about getting close to 40. Close. Ha. I'll show her what close is in November. And then start the slow march to the top of the hill.
The lawn seems to think it needs to grow. I'm unimpressed with this notion.
Rumor has it that a family picture is being taken this week. In order to make sure it is as interesting as possible, G decided to throw his chin at the concrete steps in front of our house. He is patched up now. And insists on being called Indiana Jones as he now has a scar on his chin. Well, at least, that's what lovely wife claims. I have yet to find any ancient artifacts or dead Nazis, so I'm a little skeptical.
I picked up Dungeon Hunter: Alliance as I wanted a fun little hack and slash game. It's just now out on PSN. If there are any other dungeon crawling dudes out there that want to co-op through the game, let me know. (And the Might and Magic demo is pretty cool too...)
A Happy Birthday goes out to little sis. She claims to be getting old. I roll my eyes at her. And her comments about getting close to 40. Close. Ha. I'll show her what close is in November. And then start the slow march to the top of the hill.
The lawn seems to think it needs to grow. I'm unimpressed with this notion.
Rumor has it that a family picture is being taken this week. In order to make sure it is as interesting as possible, G decided to throw his chin at the concrete steps in front of our house. He is patched up now. And insists on being called Indiana Jones as he now has a scar on his chin. Well, at least, that's what lovely wife claims. I have yet to find any ancient artifacts or dead Nazis, so I'm a little skeptical.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Similarities noted, ends reached, paper folded
I have finished Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss. I'm not entirely certain what to say about it. There are things I was surprised by (the amount of time spent at the University) and things that were grand and things that were foreboding and things that were funny and... well, you get the idea. It's a great book. I'm not sure if it's better or worse than Name of the Wind, so I'll settle for equal. I certainly look forward to the last book and have some slight fears that things will Not End Well. I shall have to read it again.
We're currently watching season 2 of School Rumble. I've missed this show. It's still absolutely hilarious. The 2nd and 3rd episodes reminded me of the paintball episode of Community, except that instead of riffing on 28 Days Later, they were going for Battle Royale. Without the silly weapons. Although there was a silly outfit. It's great.
It is now the stupid weather phase here. I rather dislike April and May because the temperatures are all over the place. We're supposed to have some snow over the next couple days and it looks like it's thinking about it at the moment. Bring back late Fall... Of course now I have to start worrying about the lawn and getting the mower into some state of readiness. Bleh.
I have learned to make jumping frog and wing flapping crane origami. They are quite fun. I was hoping to make a time delayed frog as seen in the first episode of The Mentalist, but apparently there is no such thing. Clever TV trickery!
We're currently watching season 2 of School Rumble. I've missed this show. It's still absolutely hilarious. The 2nd and 3rd episodes reminded me of the paintball episode of Community, except that instead of riffing on 28 Days Later, they were going for Battle Royale. Without the silly weapons. Although there was a silly outfit. It's great.
It is now the stupid weather phase here. I rather dislike April and May because the temperatures are all over the place. We're supposed to have some snow over the next couple days and it looks like it's thinking about it at the moment. Bring back late Fall... Of course now I have to start worrying about the lawn and getting the mower into some state of readiness. Bleh.
I have learned to make jumping frog and wing flapping crane origami. They are quite fun. I was hoping to make a time delayed frog as seen in the first episode of The Mentalist, but apparently there is no such thing. Clever TV trickery!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
In which I express frustration with technology
We finished watching season one of the British Being Human. I'm not entirely certain why people like this show. Or thought it needed a remake. The first 4 episodes (maybe 3 1/2) of 6 were not particularly enjoyable. George (the werewolf) is probably the standout character. Annie (the ghost) wasn't that great (barring her brief tenure as poltergeist) and mostly suffered from being far too predictable in her plotting. The killer was X? Gee, I didn't see that coming two seconds after she was introduced... Mitchell (the vampire) suffers from some predictable plotting as well. They do have good chemistry, but I'm in no hurry to see season 2.
So. For some time our receiver has been slowly dying. There's a short that causes the center channel to just stop working. Which makes hearing dialog difficult. Ran into a nice sale at Amazon and picked up a new one that has apparently just arrived. Which means I now get to pull the tv out, yank out the old receiver try to sort out what's plugged into where and then get everything plugged into the new receiver. And hope it all works. I am not expecting to enjoy this process.
However it will be a cakewalk compared to replacing our computer. It's also slowly dying and in need of an upgrade. I suspect we'll stick with Apple, but I'm really not looking forward to getting everything working again. Mostly as I need to transfer all the music and so on over to the new computer. I'm sure it will go well.
There needs to be a way that this just happens. That doesn't involve paying teenagers to come do it for you. I am looking forward to the fact that apparently the new receiver auto adjusts the speakers for you. That will be nice. Assuming I can figure out how to make it all work.
Finished up Emily Strange: Dark Times. It wasn't quite as good as the first one, but it wasn't horrible either. Some nice quirky humor.
M is currently performing in Mulan as a background singer. It's a little ridiculous the lengths they're going to for a grade school musical, but they do a good job. The costumes and set are all really nice and there are only a few things that remind you it's a grade school. Not convinced it's worth the money they've required for it (we had to pay so she could be in it and pay to go see it and make her costume and...) but she has had fun. I think it's starting to wear on her a little, but that's not surprising. So good job M!
So. For some time our receiver has been slowly dying. There's a short that causes the center channel to just stop working. Which makes hearing dialog difficult. Ran into a nice sale at Amazon and picked up a new one that has apparently just arrived. Which means I now get to pull the tv out, yank out the old receiver try to sort out what's plugged into where and then get everything plugged into the new receiver. And hope it all works. I am not expecting to enjoy this process.
However it will be a cakewalk compared to replacing our computer. It's also slowly dying and in need of an upgrade. I suspect we'll stick with Apple, but I'm really not looking forward to getting everything working again. Mostly as I need to transfer all the music and so on over to the new computer. I'm sure it will go well.
There needs to be a way that this just happens. That doesn't involve paying teenagers to come do it for you. I am looking forward to the fact that apparently the new receiver auto adjusts the speakers for you. That will be nice. Assuming I can figure out how to make it all work.
Finished up Emily Strange: Dark Times. It wasn't quite as good as the first one, but it wasn't horrible either. Some nice quirky humor.
M is currently performing in Mulan as a background singer. It's a little ridiculous the lengths they're going to for a grade school musical, but they do a good job. The costumes and set are all really nice and there are only a few things that remind you it's a grade school. Not convinced it's worth the money they've required for it (we had to pay so she could be in it and pay to go see it and make her costume and...) but she has had fun. I think it's starting to wear on her a little, but that's not surprising. So good job M!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Spoooooky
Finally got a chance to take in Paranormal Activity 2. I really liked it. I enjoy these movies quite a bit actually. I find movies that are more on the psychological side to be spookier than their slasher counterparts (although they can certainly be fun). Lovely wife continued to be freaked out by this series. So that's a plus as well. I found the way that the sequel intertwined with the first movie intriguing. And of course the next morning I left all the cabinet doors and drawers in the kitchen open as a nice wake me up for lovely wife. Alas, McK was the first one downstairs and ruined the joke. At least she called everyone down to see my handiwork. M seemed to think someone had broken in and rifled through the kitchen. I'm unsure why her brain is wired that way...
I'm getting very close to the end of Uncharted 2. It's definitely worth playing. This series could do with a touch less shooting and a touch more exploration, but other than that it's just about perfect. So fun.
Courtesy of a kind father in law, I now have my signed copies of Name of the Wind and Wise Man's Fear. I'm currently about half way through the latter and enjoying it immensely. I'm a little worried it's going to be sad, but it's an absolutely brilliant book.
Got in another game of Mansions of Madness. This time I managed to crush those poor investigators and left poor McK without a brain as my Mi-Go took it and left for outer space. Mwa ha ha ha ha. We played another scenario and it was interesting to see the differences in them. The first one was more like a chase sequence in which the monsters showed up early and harassed the investigators while they searched for clues. This time it was more of a slow burn as the investigators tried to unearth what was happening at a school before everything erupted in a sudden burst of monsters and gray matter. Good times. Also I highly recommend Plano tackle boxes as a storage solution for games with lots of bits. They're brilliant.
We've just started watching the BBC version of Being Human. It started off a little oddly, but we'll see where it goes.
I should probably talk a little more about Heavy Rain, but I think I'll save it for another time. Other than that things are just far too hectic at casa del 'd'. We've gotten a bit of a glimpse of the next few years as the girls get old enough to have after school activities and so on. It's not terribly pleasant. Far too much running around for lovely wife. That coupled with the various reasons that we're out of the house and I suspect we'll start to wonder who these people in the house with us are. If I start referring to lovely wife as lovely stranger send help.
I'm getting very close to the end of Uncharted 2. It's definitely worth playing. This series could do with a touch less shooting and a touch more exploration, but other than that it's just about perfect. So fun.
Courtesy of a kind father in law, I now have my signed copies of Name of the Wind and Wise Man's Fear. I'm currently about half way through the latter and enjoying it immensely. I'm a little worried it's going to be sad, but it's an absolutely brilliant book.
Got in another game of Mansions of Madness. This time I managed to crush those poor investigators and left poor McK without a brain as my Mi-Go took it and left for outer space. Mwa ha ha ha ha. We played another scenario and it was interesting to see the differences in them. The first one was more like a chase sequence in which the monsters showed up early and harassed the investigators while they searched for clues. This time it was more of a slow burn as the investigators tried to unearth what was happening at a school before everything erupted in a sudden burst of monsters and gray matter. Good times. Also I highly recommend Plano tackle boxes as a storage solution for games with lots of bits. They're brilliant.
We've just started watching the BBC version of Being Human. It started off a little oddly, but we'll see where it goes.
I should probably talk a little more about Heavy Rain, but I think I'll save it for another time. Other than that things are just far too hectic at casa del 'd'. We've gotten a bit of a glimpse of the next few years as the girls get old enough to have after school activities and so on. It's not terribly pleasant. Far too much running around for lovely wife. That coupled with the various reasons that we're out of the house and I suspect we'll start to wonder who these people in the house with us are. If I start referring to lovely wife as lovely stranger send help.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Grim Pursuits
The Social Network was a pretty fascinating story. And continues to cement my desire to stay far far away from Facebook. Zuckerberg (as portrayed) seems pretty willing to sacrifice all in pursuit of his idea. (And given his standing on privacy rights - at least as far as Facebook is concerned - he will sacrifice plenty) Fincher is still one of my favorite directors and this movie didn't really alter that at all. May have to track down the book...
The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski is a collection of short stories loosely woven together. It's where the video game The Witcher got it's titular character from. I've heard about the game some and decided to track down the book. I liked it. It's a shade darker twist on classic fairy tales. The witcher is a troubled soul tasked with fighting monsters for people that either actively dislike him or, at best, tend to ignore him. There's a bit of an overarching frame story where's he's recovering from his last fight and some of the time is spent telling or remembering previous such tasks. It's fun to figure out which story is getting told this time (you'll spot Snow White and Beauty and the Beast among others). I think I'll track down the next book as well. I like the characters and the world.
Mansions of Madness did indeed get played over the weekend (and will get played again in a couple days). It's a pretty interesting game. It takes forever to set up and that's saying something. This is a Fantasy Flight game, so some set up time was inevitable, but this is borderline ridiculous. Because it's a story based game with various scenarios you get to set up the board in addition to all the bits that make up the meat of the scenarios. So, if you're the keeper, plan to spend time setting up the tiles and then wading through the myriad cards collecting the ones you need and then placing them in the right order and then placing those stacks in the right places and then mixing the proper decks and so on. Once all that's done, the game itself is pretty interesting. The investigators get a bit of a story to set the stage and then explore the mansion trying to find clues and prevent Ominous Things from happening. The keeper does his best to drive them insane or kill them while striving to achieve his own nefarious goals. I like the way attributes are checked and puzzles are solved and so on. Plus the critters are cool.
Lovely wife found it to be a better first impression than Arkham Horror and M was occasionally unsettled by the mood music (the soundtrack from 28 Weeks Later) and the story. So that's a win in my book. If you're looking for a game with theme and some unique interaction, this is it. Just know that the theme is dark and Lovecraftian...
Heavy Rain finally went Greatest Hits the other week pushing it into affordable game territory. So I snapped it up. I find the way it's played to be probably the most immersive I've encountered in a video game. And it's pretty gorgeous to look at as well. I really want to see where the story is going to go. Plus it wins the best distraction while the game is installing award (previously held by Metal Gear Solid 4). It teaches you to make the origami critter featured heavily throughout the game. Too cool. Don't be fooled by the opening moments of the game (as lovely wife was) - there are certainly grim things ahead. It's not all birthday parties and toy sword fights. I really like the way the opening moments teach you how the game is played by introducing innocuous versions of things you'll be doing later.
So, that's what has passed for entertainment in the land of 'd' lately. I suspect I'm going to have to give the dentist a holler tomorrow. I do not care for the jangle I get whenever I drink/eat something cold. Lovely wife is trying to convince herself that Spring Break will not be an exercise in annoyingchildrenicide and hopes to catch up on some lost sleep. I wish her luck. We'll all need it. I could use some sleep myself. Ah well...
The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski is a collection of short stories loosely woven together. It's where the video game The Witcher got it's titular character from. I've heard about the game some and decided to track down the book. I liked it. It's a shade darker twist on classic fairy tales. The witcher is a troubled soul tasked with fighting monsters for people that either actively dislike him or, at best, tend to ignore him. There's a bit of an overarching frame story where's he's recovering from his last fight and some of the time is spent telling or remembering previous such tasks. It's fun to figure out which story is getting told this time (you'll spot Snow White and Beauty and the Beast among others). I think I'll track down the next book as well. I like the characters and the world.
Mansions of Madness did indeed get played over the weekend (and will get played again in a couple days). It's a pretty interesting game. It takes forever to set up and that's saying something. This is a Fantasy Flight game, so some set up time was inevitable, but this is borderline ridiculous. Because it's a story based game with various scenarios you get to set up the board in addition to all the bits that make up the meat of the scenarios. So, if you're the keeper, plan to spend time setting up the tiles and then wading through the myriad cards collecting the ones you need and then placing them in the right order and then placing those stacks in the right places and then mixing the proper decks and so on. Once all that's done, the game itself is pretty interesting. The investigators get a bit of a story to set the stage and then explore the mansion trying to find clues and prevent Ominous Things from happening. The keeper does his best to drive them insane or kill them while striving to achieve his own nefarious goals. I like the way attributes are checked and puzzles are solved and so on. Plus the critters are cool.
Lovely wife found it to be a better first impression than Arkham Horror and M was occasionally unsettled by the mood music (the soundtrack from 28 Weeks Later) and the story. So that's a win in my book. If you're looking for a game with theme and some unique interaction, this is it. Just know that the theme is dark and Lovecraftian...
Heavy Rain finally went Greatest Hits the other week pushing it into affordable game territory. So I snapped it up. I find the way it's played to be probably the most immersive I've encountered in a video game. And it's pretty gorgeous to look at as well. I really want to see where the story is going to go. Plus it wins the best distraction while the game is installing award (previously held by Metal Gear Solid 4). It teaches you to make the origami critter featured heavily throughout the game. Too cool. Don't be fooled by the opening moments of the game (as lovely wife was) - there are certainly grim things ahead. It's not all birthday parties and toy sword fights. I really like the way the opening moments teach you how the game is played by introducing innocuous versions of things you'll be doing later.
So, that's what has passed for entertainment in the land of 'd' lately. I suspect I'm going to have to give the dentist a holler tomorrow. I do not care for the jangle I get whenever I drink/eat something cold. Lovely wife is trying to convince herself that Spring Break will not be an exercise in annoyingchildrenicide and hopes to catch up on some lost sleep. I wish her luck. We'll all need it. I could use some sleep myself. Ah well...
Thursday, March 10, 2011
In which normalcy returns
We had nice visits with lovely wife's Mom and Dad over this past week. Her Mom, unfortunately, got to spend most of the time working on a costume for M for Mulan. But the costume was completed, so yay I guess? M certainly seems to think so. We also had a fun dinner at Teppanyaki during her stay. We got to see some new hibachi chef routines as well as a magic trick. Mostly due to the family we were seated with, but a show is a show.
G dragged Grandpa over to Cabelas and convinced him to let him play the shooting gallery game. I took advantage of the leftover tokens and had a go myself. It was fun. G needs to work on his aim. ^_^ Kids were glad to see family as were lovely wife and I and now we get to try and calm them down from all the excitement.
Also, congratulations go to nephew L on his Baptism.
We finished off season one of Community. It was great. The paintball episode was indeed amazing (a 28 Days Later reference in addition to some John Woo and a couple others). This may become the 2nd show that I actually bother to watch while it's broadcasting.
I have had my first tooth filled. It theoretically wasn't a cavity - just a small hole on the biting surface of my tooth. But once they drilled in they discovered it went all the way down my tooth. Still a very small hole, just very deep. It wasn't the most pleasant of experiences. I'm trying to decide if it's not completely better. I get a bit of an ache when I eat crunchy things like chips or cereal. Is that normal a week later?
Mansions of Madness is out. And I have my copy. I am very much looking forward to playing it. Puzzles, monsters, loss of sanity, stories full of dread and intrigue... what's not to love? I'm going to try and convince lovely wife and possibly McK to give it a go some time this weekend so we can get some of the rules down.
I'm ready for a bit of quiet. And a nap...
G dragged Grandpa over to Cabelas and convinced him to let him play the shooting gallery game. I took advantage of the leftover tokens and had a go myself. It was fun. G needs to work on his aim. ^_^ Kids were glad to see family as were lovely wife and I and now we get to try and calm them down from all the excitement.
Also, congratulations go to nephew L on his Baptism.
We finished off season one of Community. It was great. The paintball episode was indeed amazing (a 28 Days Later reference in addition to some John Woo and a couple others). This may become the 2nd show that I actually bother to watch while it's broadcasting.
I have had my first tooth filled. It theoretically wasn't a cavity - just a small hole on the biting surface of my tooth. But once they drilled in they discovered it went all the way down my tooth. Still a very small hole, just very deep. It wasn't the most pleasant of experiences. I'm trying to decide if it's not completely better. I get a bit of an ache when I eat crunchy things like chips or cereal. Is that normal a week later?
Mansions of Madness is out. And I have my copy. I am very much looking forward to playing it. Puzzles, monsters, loss of sanity, stories full of dread and intrigue... what's not to love? I'm going to try and convince lovely wife and possibly McK to give it a go some time this weekend so we can get some of the rules down.
I'm ready for a bit of quiet. And a nap...
Thursday, March 03, 2011
In which random things are discussed very briefly
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson was a fun read. It's part epic fantasy and part con job. Think Ocean's 11 meets Lord of the Rings. An odd little mish mash to be sure, but one that worked pretty well. Sanderson sets up a world in which certain people have the ability to "burn" metals in order to work various types of magic. A group of thieves which specialize in the various types of magic get together to overthrow the government via a con. Oh and it's set in a world where the original "Hero of the Ages" (think Frodo from LotR) failed. Yeah, that's right Sauron won and the thieves are out to bring him down. It's pretty fascinating. It's also the first book in a trilogy (following standard Fantasy rule #3) that I'll probably get around to finishing. I'm gonna take a bit of a break first. Other things to read.
(In strangely related news, The Name of the Wind is just as good the third time through and I've picked up a couple details I missed the first couple times through. Such a good book.)
Lovely wife and I have been making our way through season one of Community. It's been pretty good so far. I really liked the Halloween episode with Abed as Batman. Joel McHale is pretty amusing and I'm glad to see the writers continuing to work in Seacrest jokes. (For fans of The Soup)
We have family in town this weekend for nephew L's baptism. So things will be a little on the hectic side, but hopefully the fun side as well.
(In strangely related news, The Name of the Wind is just as good the third time through and I've picked up a couple details I missed the first couple times through. Such a good book.)
Lovely wife and I have been making our way through season one of Community. It's been pretty good so far. I really liked the Halloween episode with Abed as Batman. Joel McHale is pretty amusing and I'm glad to see the writers continuing to work in Seacrest jokes. (For fans of The Soup)
We have family in town this weekend for nephew L's baptism. So things will be a little on the hectic side, but hopefully the fun side as well.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
In which nothing of consequence is considered
The long weekend was great. Got together with some friends of the family (well, the kids and lovely wife were a little more invested, but we all had fun) and managed to introduce them to 7 Wonders. I really do like that game a lot. Enough that we managed to play a couple more times with different friends. Never play 7 Wonders with the letter 'r'. He will stomp all over you.
We watched both Easy A and Salt over the course of the last few days. One was funny but I don't feel the need to ever see it again and one was an ok action flick with an oddly open ending (are they really thinking franchise for this? Really?). I'm not certain which was which at this point.
I've been messing with demos on the PS3 again. Hoard is strangely addictive. You play a dragon burning towns, ransoming princesses, defending your hoard from thieves, bbq-ing knights - that sort of thing. You can play with or against others. It's fun. Give it a look. Yakuza 4 was simply a look at the fighting engine in the upcoming game. Not terribly helpful if you want to know more about the game. Dragon Age II looks pretty interesting. It's an RPG where you put together a team and kill goblins and whatnot. Good times. I might have to track down the original game and give it a go.
Psst, Wise Man's Fear comes out next week. I am very excited. I'm hoping to score an autographed copy courtesy of my Father-in-law as he lives near a bookstore where the good Mr Rothfuss will be appearing.
In other not inconsequential news, thoughts go out to little sis and favorite niece. Get better.
And I think that about does it.
We watched both Easy A and Salt over the course of the last few days. One was funny but I don't feel the need to ever see it again and one was an ok action flick with an oddly open ending (are they really thinking franchise for this? Really?). I'm not certain which was which at this point.
I've been messing with demos on the PS3 again. Hoard is strangely addictive. You play a dragon burning towns, ransoming princesses, defending your hoard from thieves, bbq-ing knights - that sort of thing. You can play with or against others. It's fun. Give it a look. Yakuza 4 was simply a look at the fighting engine in the upcoming game. Not terribly helpful if you want to know more about the game. Dragon Age II looks pretty interesting. It's an RPG where you put together a team and kill goblins and whatnot. Good times. I might have to track down the original game and give it a go.
Psst, Wise Man's Fear comes out next week. I am very excited. I'm hoping to score an autographed copy courtesy of my Father-in-law as he lives near a bookstore where the good Mr Rothfuss will be appearing.
In other not inconsequential news, thoughts go out to little sis and favorite niece. Get better.
And I think that about does it.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Too many books, too little brain cells
So, I read a lot of graphic novels over the weekend. Another 5 volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist, 4 volumes of Naruto and School Rumble Volume 1. They were all decent in their own little ways. I will single out that I didn't really care for the Ishbalan war flashback volume of FMA, time passes almost as strangely in the graphic novels of Naruto as it does in the anime (something both lovely wife and letter 'r' expressed an interest in. I've only seen a little of the anime, but I know what they're talking about - serious time dilation in Naruto's world), and School Rumble is a sweet romantic farce. We've actually been watching the anime version of it as well lately and it's also a lot of fun. I get a kick out of the characters in this one.
A small further note on School Rumble. I was expecting it to be something of a fighting storyline given the title. Not so, it's actually a high school romantic farce. Not quite as out there as Ranma 1/2 (and certainly lacking the battle sequences) but still pretty wacky. So far my favorite bit has been the message arrow story line. Although there are others that are close.
Iron Man 2 was better than the first movie. I was pleasantly surprised by this. I actually enjoyed it quite a bit.
And that's really all I can scrape together at the moment. Brain no worky. Glad it's a three day weekend.
A small further note on School Rumble. I was expecting it to be something of a fighting storyline given the title. Not so, it's actually a high school romantic farce. Not quite as out there as Ranma 1/2 (and certainly lacking the battle sequences) but still pretty wacky. So far my favorite bit has been the message arrow story line. Although there are others that are close.
Iron Man 2 was better than the first movie. I was pleasantly surprised by this. I actually enjoyed it quite a bit.
And that's really all I can scrape together at the moment. Brain no worky. Glad it's a three day weekend.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Elementary
The Sherlockian by Graham Moore was pretty darn great. It's amazing how much of that book was real as well. Told via two different time periods - one in the past following Arthur Conan Doyle and one in the present following Harold White - the story features mystery, murder and intrigue. Harold wants to know what happened to Doyle's missing journal and who killed the man that claimed to have found it. Doyle wants to know who sent him a letter bomb and almost killed him. If you enjoy mysteries or Sherlock Holmes then there's plenty here for you. Truly a fascinating read.
I've pounded down 4 more volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist as well. Still great. What's going to happen next?!
Red was a fun little movie. I found the pacing to be a touch strange (I think it probably should have been just a bit shorter) but overall it was a good time. This is what The Expendables should have been. Four aging CIA agents, the up and comer charged with taking one of them out, intrigue, romance, yadda yadda, you've probably watched it by now. And if not, you should.
Baccano was an entrancing, if occasionally gruesome, series. There's something about a train, some mafia turf wars, the spreading of joy, dominoes and too much else would spoil some of the surprise. If you're in the mood for something that takes a little effort to keep up with and aren't bothered with a somewhat dark overtone, this one's also worth looking into.
Blokus continues to make us think way too much.
Casa del 'd' is a little under the weather at the moment as 2 out of 3 munchkins are down with something or other. Alas poor munchkins. 'd' is a harsh task master when it comes to being sick. Not a lot of tv viewing to be had for those poor souls. Plenty of rest and fluids though. And books.
Speaking of TV, we're probably just about done with satellite. Rates are getting a little too out of hand for what we really watch. Kids will miss it, but unless they want to start paying for it and get some jobs they're out of luck. I'll miss a couple things (Eureka mostly) but, eh, that's what DVD is for. So if you have any good tips for getting deals from satellite providers send them to lovely wife.
I've pounded down 4 more volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist as well. Still great. What's going to happen next?!
Red was a fun little movie. I found the pacing to be a touch strange (I think it probably should have been just a bit shorter) but overall it was a good time. This is what The Expendables should have been. Four aging CIA agents, the up and comer charged with taking one of them out, intrigue, romance, yadda yadda, you've probably watched it by now. And if not, you should.
Baccano was an entrancing, if occasionally gruesome, series. There's something about a train, some mafia turf wars, the spreading of joy, dominoes and too much else would spoil some of the surprise. If you're in the mood for something that takes a little effort to keep up with and aren't bothered with a somewhat dark overtone, this one's also worth looking into.
Blokus continues to make us think way too much.
Casa del 'd' is a little under the weather at the moment as 2 out of 3 munchkins are down with something or other. Alas poor munchkins. 'd' is a harsh task master when it comes to being sick. Not a lot of tv viewing to be had for those poor souls. Plenty of rest and fluids though. And books.
Speaking of TV, we're probably just about done with satellite. Rates are getting a little too out of hand for what we really watch. Kids will miss it, but unless they want to start paying for it and get some jobs they're out of luck. I'll miss a couple things (Eureka mostly) but, eh, that's what DVD is for. So if you have any good tips for getting deals from satellite providers send them to lovely wife.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Strange days indeed
So let's see. I have plowed through 4 more volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist. I continue to enjoy that series quite a bit. It's fascinating to watch that story unfold. There are some wonderful heartfelt moments. And some shocks. I was not expecting one of the plot twists that happened in volume 4. I think it was. Might have been 5.
Lovely wife and I are currently watching Baccano, the anime series. It's been pretty great, if confusing. There's a pretty large cast of characters and it's a touch hard to follow. If things manage to wrap up by the end though, this one will definitely be a gem. And Isaac and Miria are awesome. Right you are letter 'd'. Right you are.
So I have now befriended someone on the PS3 that has a copy of Need for Speed. This is a blessing and a curse. It really does make the game more fun (the wall serves a purpose now as does Autolog recommends) but also more frustrating. I can't put the game in after 9:30 now or I will be up all night trying to beat just "one more record" or trying to beat the same record "just one more time". Devious. And compelling.
I've started up Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson. It's pretty good so far. It's fun to read fantasy again. I think I've said this before. But there you go.
We (and by we I mean lovely wife) recently made some homemade chicken noodle soup and some pulled pork. Both were quite excellent. The pulled pork was Carolina based, so it was a vinegar sauce as opposed to bbq sauce. It was quite good. Always fun to try new recipes. Now I want bbq. Or maybe chicken soup.
Lovely wife and I are currently watching Baccano, the anime series. It's been pretty great, if confusing. There's a pretty large cast of characters and it's a touch hard to follow. If things manage to wrap up by the end though, this one will definitely be a gem. And Isaac and Miria are awesome. Right you are letter 'd'. Right you are.
So I have now befriended someone on the PS3 that has a copy of Need for Speed. This is a blessing and a curse. It really does make the game more fun (the wall serves a purpose now as does Autolog recommends) but also more frustrating. I can't put the game in after 9:30 now or I will be up all night trying to beat just "one more record" or trying to beat the same record "just one more time". Devious. And compelling.
I've started up Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson. It's pretty good so far. It's fun to read fantasy again. I think I've said this before. But there you go.
We (and by we I mean lovely wife) recently made some homemade chicken noodle soup and some pulled pork. Both were quite excellent. The pulled pork was Carolina based, so it was a vinegar sauce as opposed to bbq sauce. It was quite good. Always fun to try new recipes. Now I want bbq. Or maybe chicken soup.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Owls and such
300 + owls - blood = Legend of the Guardians (the Owls of Ga'hoole). Given that it was directed by Zack Snyder this should not be a surprise. It was actually pretty decent to watch. Standard fantasy fare to be sure, but fun nonetheless. And some of the animation was amazing. The rain and fire sequences especially. So very pretty. There are worse ways to spend some time with your kids. Or whoever you watch movies with.
We finished off Castle season 2 and now I want to watch season 3. Why is it not on DVD yet? Because it's tied down to a broadcast schedule is not really a good reason. I've really come to enjoy this show, I look forward to more of it.
We had ourselves a game day this past weekend and much fun was had. We played Dixit, 7 Wonders, Sequence, Zooloretto, and a couple others. We also learned to play Blokus. It's quite good as well. I have a sneaking suspicion it may make its way into our home sooner rather than later. You can pick up a pretty nice version for the PS3 in their online store for around $5. We may have to convince little sis to do this so we can play online against them. Well, after we add each other as friends.
I also have a lovely Nintendo customer service story. I'd always heard about how they treated their customers well and I can now confirm it. G went to play Lego Star Wars the other day and the Wii wouldn't take the disc. It also made a strange noise upon powering up the unit. After some brief online searching it was discovered that this could really only be fixed with a repair at ye olde Nintendo. So I called up Nintendo only to be told that our machine was out of warranty and would need to send some money to get it fixed. I asked if they had any loyal customer discounts and the wonderful service rep gave me a one time waiver on the service fee. So the Wii is on its way to California to be fixed. Hopefully it will come back with all our saved game data. Thanks Nintendo for remembering your customers.
(DirecTV on the other hand does not win any customer service points, but that's probably a story for another time.)
A belated happy birthday shout out to nephew K. Hope you had a great day little dude.
We finished off Castle season 2 and now I want to watch season 3. Why is it not on DVD yet? Because it's tied down to a broadcast schedule is not really a good reason. I've really come to enjoy this show, I look forward to more of it.
We had ourselves a game day this past weekend and much fun was had. We played Dixit, 7 Wonders, Sequence, Zooloretto, and a couple others. We also learned to play Blokus. It's quite good as well. I have a sneaking suspicion it may make its way into our home sooner rather than later. You can pick up a pretty nice version for the PS3 in their online store for around $5. We may have to convince little sis to do this so we can play online against them. Well, after we add each other as friends.
I also have a lovely Nintendo customer service story. I'd always heard about how they treated their customers well and I can now confirm it. G went to play Lego Star Wars the other day and the Wii wouldn't take the disc. It also made a strange noise upon powering up the unit. After some brief online searching it was discovered that this could really only be fixed with a repair at ye olde Nintendo. So I called up Nintendo only to be told that our machine was out of warranty and would need to send some money to get it fixed. I asked if they had any loyal customer discounts and the wonderful service rep gave me a one time waiver on the service fee. So the Wii is on its way to California to be fixed. Hopefully it will come back with all our saved game data. Thanks Nintendo for remembering your customers.
(DirecTV on the other hand does not win any customer service points, but that's probably a story for another time.)
A belated happy birthday shout out to nephew K. Hope you had a great day little dude.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Insert witty Castle joke here
Season 2 of Castle has been pretty decent thus far. The mystery plots are pretty secondary to the banter and I'm fine with that. It's certainly worth watching on DVD.
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson was a fun fantasy book. It features a pretty unique magic system and some fun characters. Lots of little twists and turns before wrapping things up. I suspect I'll read more of his work now. I've heard his Mistborn series is worth checking out as well. It's nice to find some more fantasy again.
Death of a Scriptwriter is a Hamish Macbeth story by M.C. Beaton. If you've been here a while, you might recall me mentioning that we enjoyed the TV series. The books are fun too. Nice little mystery story. Makes me want to watch the show again...
In other news G has been practicing his writing by writing down little stories. Thus far we have had The Fish and the Turtle, The Shark, the Fish and the Dolphin and The Dragon's Gold. One of the stories featured a human on fire and one featured a lovely dinner for a hungry aquatic animal. Hmm. He may be ready for shark week now.
In other other news I got to tell a couple at the Library that it wasn't really the appropriate place to be making out.
I managed to finish off the first Uncharted. It was a lot of fun. I've started the second one and it had one of the best beginnings to a video game I've seen in a long time. Really enjoying this series. And Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is a frustratingly good time. My driving skill are not that spectacular. But it's a lot of fun to try. Donkey Kong Country Returns is pretty good as well. The collector in me is going to hate this game as some of the levels are fiendishly difficult. I may never finish the bonus temple levels. In spite of G telling me to try at every other moment.
The girls explored mummification for their science projects. At least there were no coat hangers involved. I'm sleeping with one eye open just to be safe.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Nothing to see ... move along
It feels like there should be things to talk about, but honestly I've not got a clue what they are. I suppose if I bothered talking about anything other than games, books and movies I'd probably have a couple topics, but I really can't be bothered.
I did finish volume 12 of 20th Century Boys. It looks like we may now know who the mysterious Friend is. Although it's been long enough since I started the series, that I'm still not entirely sure who it is. I still really enjoy reading the series though. I think we're roughly half way now even! ^_^ Heh.
The Expendables was pretty much a lost opportunity. When I heard about the movie (mostly the cast) I had hopes for a slightly campy, self aware non stop action flick. What I got was a straight up action flick. Now, there is plenty of action, but it's played way too straight. So it wasn't really as good I was hoping it would be. Alas. If you have interest in seeing it (and you somehow haven't already) just know that it takes itself very seriously. Slight Spoiler: Oh and my favorite complaint about the flick is how can you have a group called the Expendables and then let them all live through the movie?
We're about to watch the A Team movie and season 2 of Castle. So good times ahead.
M has decided she wants to be in the school play/musical Mulan. They're letting the fourth graders participate in the background choir stuff. And she's about to start selling GS cookies again. Lovely wife is thrilled.
I have discovered that they're about to release glow in the dark hexbug nano stuff. This is very exciting news. Now you can be strangely hypnotized in the dark!
I did finish volume 12 of 20th Century Boys. It looks like we may now know who the mysterious Friend is. Although it's been long enough since I started the series, that I'm still not entirely sure who it is. I still really enjoy reading the series though. I think we're roughly half way now even! ^_^ Heh.
The Expendables was pretty much a lost opportunity. When I heard about the movie (mostly the cast) I had hopes for a slightly campy, self aware non stop action flick. What I got was a straight up action flick. Now, there is plenty of action, but it's played way too straight. So it wasn't really as good I was hoping it would be. Alas. If you have interest in seeing it (and you somehow haven't already) just know that it takes itself very seriously. Slight Spoiler: Oh and my favorite complaint about the flick is how can you have a group called the Expendables and then let them all live through the movie?
We're about to watch the A Team movie and season 2 of Castle. So good times ahead.
M has decided she wants to be in the school play/musical Mulan. They're letting the fourth graders participate in the background choir stuff. And she's about to start selling GS cookies again. Lovely wife is thrilled.
I have discovered that they're about to release glow in the dark hexbug nano stuff. This is very exciting news. Now you can be strangely hypnotized in the dark!
Thursday, January 06, 2011
New Year Get
So. We meet again. You really need to stop hanging around these sorts of places. All manner of trouble they are.
Frozen has pretty much the silliest plot outline of any movie: three people stuck on a ski lift. The movies itself is actually surprisingly tense. Much like Open Water from a few years back we get to watch a small group of people abandoned in an unfriendly environment. Unlike Open Water they don't fight the entire time. So it comes out slightly on top for that reason. Although that shot at the end of Open Water with the lightning and the sharks is still the best moment in either of the movies. Frozen focuses on two guys that have been friends forever and the newish girlfriend that has tagged along while they go skiing. The movie doesn't waste too much time before stranding them up in the air and then doesn't take too much time before the surprisingly logical ending. That's actually probably the best thing about the movie - everything you think you might try in this situation is covered and it's all pretty realistic. Although lovely wife thinks the guy that jumped was an idiot... So, this one is recommended. Especially to little sis and 'k'.
Gran Torino is pretty much a western set in Detroit. I had it recommended to me as a remake of Shane. I haven't seen Shane (although I might have to now) but I like westerns, so we gave this one a try. If you can get past the racism and swearing it's actually a surprisingly sweet movie. And I think Clint Eastwood is about the only person that could get away with playing the main character. Anybody else probably couldn't have pulled it off. You'd think they were the biggest jerk on the planet. I think part of it is due to all the characters Clint has played over the years. Anyway, this is another one that we liked and you might give a go.
The BBC show Sherlock is also a lot of fun. I wasn't sure I'd like a modern day Sherlock Holmes but they pulled this off as well. Nice banter, clever cases, nods to the original it all works pretty well.
I'm still in the midst of Warbreaker so you don't really get an update on it. Except for me to say that I'm enjoying it.
We managed a couple games of 7 Wonders and Dixit over the break. They're both pretty enjoyable. Dixit is an easily picked up party type game that encourages creativity from the players. It's a little like Apples to Apples and occasionally suffers from some of the same problems, but not to the same extent. (You'll occasionally have a hand of cards that doesn't seem to work, but if the storyteller does a good job of not being too specific it's not really an issue.) 7 Wonders has a bit of a learning curve, but ends up being pretty enjoyable. It will take a few games to start to see how strategies emerge and how the wonders are best utilized but that's ok.
So, that's some of what's been happening around Casa del 'd'. We had a great visit with Dad while he was here. He needs to live much closer so we can get together more often. We also had a great visit with lovely wife's Mom. It was good reconnecting with her as well. I am glad the holidays are over and hope you all had a wonderful time.
Condolences go out to little sis on the job loss. Glad you have a few months to get things in order. Here's to hoping the rest of the year is better.
Frozen has pretty much the silliest plot outline of any movie: three people stuck on a ski lift. The movies itself is actually surprisingly tense. Much like Open Water from a few years back we get to watch a small group of people abandoned in an unfriendly environment. Unlike Open Water they don't fight the entire time. So it comes out slightly on top for that reason. Although that shot at the end of Open Water with the lightning and the sharks is still the best moment in either of the movies. Frozen focuses on two guys that have been friends forever and the newish girlfriend that has tagged along while they go skiing. The movie doesn't waste too much time before stranding them up in the air and then doesn't take too much time before the surprisingly logical ending. That's actually probably the best thing about the movie - everything you think you might try in this situation is covered and it's all pretty realistic. Although lovely wife thinks the guy that jumped was an idiot... So, this one is recommended. Especially to little sis and 'k'.
Gran Torino is pretty much a western set in Detroit. I had it recommended to me as a remake of Shane. I haven't seen Shane (although I might have to now) but I like westerns, so we gave this one a try. If you can get past the racism and swearing it's actually a surprisingly sweet movie. And I think Clint Eastwood is about the only person that could get away with playing the main character. Anybody else probably couldn't have pulled it off. You'd think they were the biggest jerk on the planet. I think part of it is due to all the characters Clint has played over the years. Anyway, this is another one that we liked and you might give a go.
The BBC show Sherlock is also a lot of fun. I wasn't sure I'd like a modern day Sherlock Holmes but they pulled this off as well. Nice banter, clever cases, nods to the original it all works pretty well.
I'm still in the midst of Warbreaker so you don't really get an update on it. Except for me to say that I'm enjoying it.
We managed a couple games of 7 Wonders and Dixit over the break. They're both pretty enjoyable. Dixit is an easily picked up party type game that encourages creativity from the players. It's a little like Apples to Apples and occasionally suffers from some of the same problems, but not to the same extent. (You'll occasionally have a hand of cards that doesn't seem to work, but if the storyteller does a good job of not being too specific it's not really an issue.) 7 Wonders has a bit of a learning curve, but ends up being pretty enjoyable. It will take a few games to start to see how strategies emerge and how the wonders are best utilized but that's ok.
So, that's some of what's been happening around Casa del 'd'. We had a great visit with Dad while he was here. He needs to live much closer so we can get together more often. We also had a great visit with lovely wife's Mom. It was good reconnecting with her as well. I am glad the holidays are over and hope you all had a wonderful time.
Condolences go out to little sis on the job loss. Glad you have a few months to get things in order. Here's to hoping the rest of the year is better.
Friday, December 31, 2010
End of Line
Well, that's a little over dramatic I suppose, but this is the last day of the year and we did just see Tron Legacy, so there you go.
It's been quite the week here at casa del 'd'. We had lovely wife's Mom here through Christmas and my Dad is here to ring in the New Year with us.
Shockingly we actually had to wake the kids up on Christmas morning. I'm not sure what pod people they were replaced with, but it was a little ridiculous. They all had fun opening presents and being around family. G got some Hexbug Nanos that are pretty cool. We can't stop playing with them and rearranging the track. McK has been taking pictures of everything she can with her new camera and M has been reading books and solving mysteries in Guilty Party on the Wii.
We've seen a few shows over the holiday. Tangled was brilliant, Sorcerer's Apprentice was fun, Tron Legacy was pretty good (and the soundtrack by Daftpunk is pretty great too) and we liked Toy Story 3 as well.
So, have a great end of year, and here's to a good new year.
It's been quite the week here at casa del 'd'. We had lovely wife's Mom here through Christmas and my Dad is here to ring in the New Year with us.
Shockingly we actually had to wake the kids up on Christmas morning. I'm not sure what pod people they were replaced with, but it was a little ridiculous. They all had fun opening presents and being around family. G got some Hexbug Nanos that are pretty cool. We can't stop playing with them and rearranging the track. McK has been taking pictures of everything she can with her new camera and M has been reading books and solving mysteries in Guilty Party on the Wii.
We've seen a few shows over the holiday. Tangled was brilliant, Sorcerer's Apprentice was fun, Tron Legacy was pretty good (and the soundtrack by Daftpunk is pretty great too) and we liked Toy Story 3 as well.
So, have a great end of year, and here's to a good new year.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Temporally denoted weather pattern felicitations
Or seasons greetings if you're so inclined.
Not really much to add to that. I think I'm glad the year is drawing to a close. I'm surprised (each and every time) that we've gotten to this point so quickly, but I suspect it's best if we put a cap on this year and look forward to the next. Although the prognosis for the initial part of next year is a bit rocky. Hopefully things will smooth out some.
Which is really just the long way to say that I hope each of you have a wonderful holiday surrounded by those you love. We'll have various relatives staying here at casa del 'd' over the holidays so that should be fun. If nothing else it might distract the kids long enough that we don't resort to ritual bloodshed. Although that might add that extra kick the season needs. Get those stars right. So grab some eggnog and kick back for a bit. Open a present even if you know what it is and act surprised.
Happy Christmas and Merry New Year! (as my old history teach used to say) Or alternatively Ia! Ia! Cthulhu Fhtagn! (as my Great Old One used to mutter)
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Media Consumption
I will try and cover the various things that have been seen and/or read at casa del 'd' recently. I'm not sure I'm up to the task...
Triangle is a pretty fascinating horror movie. Without giving too much away, it's basically a retelling of the Sisyphus story. There are some pretty neat moments in it. Rather liked this one and recommend it. Especially for little sis and 'k'.
Big Bang Theory season 3 is pretty decent too. Although they use Sheldon's Bazinga! joke a little too much. Except for the ball pit sequence. That was pure comedy gold.
The Fuller Memorandum by Charles Stross was also quite good. I really do like the Laundry Files books. I was a little worried that this one would be completely depressing. Fortunately it's only somewhat depressing. And there are a few images that will stick with you for quite some time. Cultists indeed...
Hikaru no Go. I've read a couple more books and I think I may be done with this series. I've read enough that at this point it's really just more of the same. (Some of you probably marveled that it took 21 volumes for me to reach that point, but whatever.)
Fullmetal Alchemist I've read a couple more of this series and am enjoying it quite a bit. Plan to continue this one.
There's probably more, but I can't be bothered to remember what it was. Alas.
In other news, we're just about ready for the holidays. Family members are coming in to town so that should be nice. The kids have one day of school left before they have their break until next year. (Next year! Who let that happen already?!) I can't think of any particularly amazing stories worth sharing. Oh, if you want painted room pictures, head over to littles sis's blog. She has a couple. I may or may not get some put up.
Triangle is a pretty fascinating horror movie. Without giving too much away, it's basically a retelling of the Sisyphus story. There are some pretty neat moments in it. Rather liked this one and recommend it. Especially for little sis and 'k'.
Big Bang Theory season 3 is pretty decent too. Although they use Sheldon's Bazinga! joke a little too much. Except for the ball pit sequence. That was pure comedy gold.
The Fuller Memorandum by Charles Stross was also quite good. I really do like the Laundry Files books. I was a little worried that this one would be completely depressing. Fortunately it's only somewhat depressing. And there are a few images that will stick with you for quite some time. Cultists indeed...
Hikaru no Go. I've read a couple more books and I think I may be done with this series. I've read enough that at this point it's really just more of the same. (Some of you probably marveled that it took 21 volumes for me to reach that point, but whatever.)
Fullmetal Alchemist I've read a couple more of this series and am enjoying it quite a bit. Plan to continue this one.
There's probably more, but I can't be bothered to remember what it was. Alas.
In other news, we're just about ready for the holidays. Family members are coming in to town so that should be nice. The kids have one day of school left before they have their break until next year. (Next year! Who let that happen already?!) I can't think of any particularly amazing stories worth sharing. Oh, if you want painted room pictures, head over to littles sis's blog. She has a couple. I may or may not get some put up.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Ch-ch-ch-changes
So littlest sis arrived in town the other night and has coerced lovely wife into repainting some of our house. Currently the basement is several new shades and I think they're tackling the living room as well. I shall attempt some pictures at some point. Possibly. Overall things look nice. (Although that bathroom is still seriously blue...) So thanks littlest sis for the help and a new look on things. (Oh and for the record Dixit does seem to be quite fun...)
Not really too much else to report. Pacman CE DX is a serious time suck. Can not stop playing. Second season of Mentalist is way good. But you knew that already didn't you?
I'll just leave this here, shall I?
Not really too much else to report. Pacman CE DX is a serious time suck. Can not stop playing. Second season of Mentalist is way good. But you knew that already didn't you?
I'll just leave this here, shall I?
Thursday, December 02, 2010
In Which I Make a Few Recommendations
Well, December has arrived. For some of you that means shopping. I managed to do most of my Black Friday shopping on Thanksgiving from the comfort of my computer. It sure beat standing in line, that's a fact. Here at Casa del 'd' we've been playing with my new birthday/Christmas present - a PS3. Big thanks go out to family that made that possible. I'm not entirely convinced Blu Rays are that much prettier than DVDs, but some of the extras sure are fun. We're currently using it to watch season 2 of The Mentalist. We finished up Castle season 1 (it was quite good and we want to see season 2 now) and soon we'll be on Big Bang Theory season 3. Yup, lots of TV on DVD (the way it was meant to be watched) round these parts.
So. In an effort to throw a few opinions out there on what are some worthwhile ways to spend money/pass the time I offer the following suggestions for books/movies/games/etc.
Books: Working in a Library offers a few opportunities to look at books. Book recommendations, however, are tricky. I have no idea what your tastes are. But if you're here, then we probably have at least a little in common. Or you are very bored. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss will probably surprise no one as my top pick for something to read. I loved this book and eagerly wait for the sequel (Wise Man's Fear coming next Spring!). It's fantasy (don't let that scare you off) and tells the story of Kvothe. It's funny, spooky, heartwarming, heartbreaking, and lots of other good adjectives. Seriously, get this book. In a not entirely and yet almost completely dissimilar vein, The Laundry Files books by Charles Stross are also highly recommended. They're a touch harder to sell as you really need some geek/Lovecraft background, but if you've got the interest they're a pretty great time.
Graphic Novels: Like books with pictures? Try 20th Century Boys by Naoki Urasawa, or Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O'Malley. They're a bit of an acquired taste but certainly worth it. Looking for something for younger kids? Owly by Andy Runton all the way. I could go on...
Boardgames: Well, where to start... If you're just looking for a party game I can certainly recommend Say Anything. We've had a lot of fun with that one. (Think Apples to Apples where you can write your own answer instead of relying on the luck of the cards in your hand.) I'm going to go out on a limb and recommend Dixit as well. You'll get a more informed opinion in the future. If you're looking for something to dig into a bit I'll mention Blue Moon City and Dominion as worth your attention. Want something where you can all work together? Forbidden Island is for you. Dexterity game? Pitchcar. Puzzle game? Ubongo. Family game? Tobago or maybe Dice Town or even Incan Gold. (Depending on the ages of your kids)
Movies: Hmm. Prince of Persia was definitely a lot of fun. Scott Pilgrim is my personal favorite of the year... There really were a lot of good ones. You can probably make up your own mind on this one.
TV (on DVD): The Mentalist probably tops the charts. I'd give Castle a nod as well. Eureka is fun as is Big Bang Theory.
Videogames: Well let's see, for the Wii: Either of the Super Mario Galaxy titles are good. Kirby's Epic Yarn is also pretty fun. If you like playing (fighting) together New Super Mario Bros. Wii is certainly worth trying out. For the PS3 I can't really say yet. Uncharted is a lot of fun so far. Basically Tomb Raider with more shooting. I like the exploration-y bits a lot. The shooting bits are hard (although I'm getting better). There is more combat than I'd like, but I'm having a good time. I really really like Pacman CE DX which you can download from the Playstation Store. A quick word of warning though, the games are typically listed as $9.99 or something similar. You can buy points cards for $20 and so on. I thought I'd get 2 games for one card but no, they charge tax. So I was $1.32 short or something stupid like that. Ok, just this once I'll use the credit card to finish off the difference. You can only add amounts starting at $5. So very frustrating and so very stupid. Nintendo does this right. You buy the points card, the games cost X points and you know what you're spending.
I think that's enough for now. If you have questions I'm sure I have (snarky) answers. Feel free to leave some comments and I'll see what I can do.
So. In an effort to throw a few opinions out there on what are some worthwhile ways to spend money/pass the time I offer the following suggestions for books/movies/games/etc.
Books: Working in a Library offers a few opportunities to look at books. Book recommendations, however, are tricky. I have no idea what your tastes are. But if you're here, then we probably have at least a little in common. Or you are very bored. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss will probably surprise no one as my top pick for something to read. I loved this book and eagerly wait for the sequel (Wise Man's Fear coming next Spring!). It's fantasy (don't let that scare you off) and tells the story of Kvothe. It's funny, spooky, heartwarming, heartbreaking, and lots of other good adjectives. Seriously, get this book. In a not entirely and yet almost completely dissimilar vein, The Laundry Files books by Charles Stross are also highly recommended. They're a touch harder to sell as you really need some geek/Lovecraft background, but if you've got the interest they're a pretty great time.
Graphic Novels: Like books with pictures? Try 20th Century Boys by Naoki Urasawa, or Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O'Malley. They're a bit of an acquired taste but certainly worth it. Looking for something for younger kids? Owly by Andy Runton all the way. I could go on...
Boardgames: Well, where to start... If you're just looking for a party game I can certainly recommend Say Anything. We've had a lot of fun with that one. (Think Apples to Apples where you can write your own answer instead of relying on the luck of the cards in your hand.) I'm going to go out on a limb and recommend Dixit as well. You'll get a more informed opinion in the future. If you're looking for something to dig into a bit I'll mention Blue Moon City and Dominion as worth your attention. Want something where you can all work together? Forbidden Island is for you. Dexterity game? Pitchcar. Puzzle game? Ubongo. Family game? Tobago or maybe Dice Town or even Incan Gold. (Depending on the ages of your kids)
Movies: Hmm. Prince of Persia was definitely a lot of fun. Scott Pilgrim is my personal favorite of the year... There really were a lot of good ones. You can probably make up your own mind on this one.
TV (on DVD): The Mentalist probably tops the charts. I'd give Castle a nod as well. Eureka is fun as is Big Bang Theory.
Videogames: Well let's see, for the Wii: Either of the Super Mario Galaxy titles are good. Kirby's Epic Yarn is also pretty fun. If you like playing (fighting) together New Super Mario Bros. Wii is certainly worth trying out. For the PS3 I can't really say yet. Uncharted is a lot of fun so far. Basically Tomb Raider with more shooting. I like the exploration-y bits a lot. The shooting bits are hard (although I'm getting better). There is more combat than I'd like, but I'm having a good time. I really really like Pacman CE DX which you can download from the Playstation Store. A quick word of warning though, the games are typically listed as $9.99 or something similar. You can buy points cards for $20 and so on. I thought I'd get 2 games for one card but no, they charge tax. So I was $1.32 short or something stupid like that. Ok, just this once I'll use the credit card to finish off the difference. You can only add amounts starting at $5. So very frustrating and so very stupid. Nintendo does this right. You buy the points card, the games cost X points and you know what you're spending.
I think that's enough for now. If you have questions I'm sure I have (snarky) answers. Feel free to leave some comments and I'll see what I can do.
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