Sox and Boxers

It's been difficult...

2011-10-11T14:13:00.000-07:00

I must confess that I've slacked off even before I got started with taking this blog that I never use into a different direction. Really wanted to follow along with the news, videos, and discussions taking place all over the web about Guild Wars 2 but finding the time and having the motivation has been difficult. I wanted to show myself and others that I can produce something of meaning beyond what I do at work.

I'm going to give it some effort soon, but not just yet. Need to get some other obligations out of the way first like getting setup to get back to college education and potentially get moving on some secondary job opportunities (gotta' make that money). With that said, I hope to be a source that brings together all the varied sources of information out there into one location for easier searching and reading by those that share my interest. Not just with Guild Wars 2 but with various topics such as economics, psychology, and others.

We'll see what happens or won't happen in the coming weeks....

New teaser trailer up on official website

2011-10-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

Over at the Guild Wars 2 website, they have a new trailer that they debuted at Gamescon. Worth a look and enjoy some of the new stuff they added to the first teaser trailer.

If you've seen any of the in-game videos, you'll recognize some of the footage that they have in this trailer....

Revival of the Blog

2011-09-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

Its been a few days over a year since I last posted on this blog. At the time, it was just for fun to see what it would be like to have a blog. In the end, I was busy and didn't really feel like I had anything to add to the world of blogs and information on the internet. Lets face it, there is quite a bit of trash and useless information on the web (and I didn't want to add to it).

Well, I would like to give blogging another shot, but this time with a specific interest in mind - Guild Wars 2 by Arenanet. I'll be posting information and links about the developements of the game as I find them in order to compile it for possible readers. Also to serve as an outlet for my excitement for this game. It has been a long time since I've been excited about a game title, especially an MMORPG.

At any rate, I figured I'd post something to shake off the dust and get things going. With any luck, I can put something worthwhile together.

Thanks,

Not to jump on the I-hate M. Night Shyamalan train, but...

2010-09-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

Is there a bad pun in the title?? Yes, yes there is and I did it on purpose. Six Sense was good and Unbreakable made a more plausible view of what super heroes and super villains would look like if they really existed amongst "us" with little attention. Those are the two movies of his that I saw and liked. The Lady in the Water (I do believe that is the title) was actually a movie I felt was intriguing on the big screen but lost it's momentum at the various needles plot twists or outlandish scenarios that crop up; thus I have mixed feelings.

Where does the train wreck and where do I jump on?

Yup, you guessed it! The Last Airbender! Or, as it should of been, The Avatar: The Last Air Bender but a huge blue Ferngully rip-off stoole the Avatar' s thunder.

Way to screw it up! You need to figure out if you're going to make good movies or keep pulling out these rabbits and keep actting surprised when they turn out brown.

dumbass...

Kill the corporate culture and eat pizza, my friends.

2010-09-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

In a growing town that marks a middle point between Colorado Springs and Denver there is a pizzeria that goes by the name of Boulevard Pizza. It's a locally owned and operated business that sports a New York vibe and serves a gourmet style pizza. This isn't grease-on-cardboard type pizza as each slice is it's own course. For a full three course meal I would suggest a spinach pin-wheel, a slice of the Ziti, and a to-go box of something that looks good!

This isn't a kick-back advertising plug for Boulevard Pizza in Castle Rock, Colorado. This is a delicious example of how a business can perform without grinding it's employees with the corporate culture. A culture that cares more for the penny then on the dollar. A mindset that answers the question, "Would you cut your nose off spite your face?" with an outstanding Yes!

Well, maybe I haven't looked that deep into the company but their pizza is good.

...an Update

2009-12-05T21:45:00.000-08:00

This post will be continueing along with the train of thought that I had with the post below it. These are more raw journal entries than anything else. Take 'em or leave 'em. Wanted to add a little more personal stuff to it.

Still need to edit and clean these up. Too tired at this point, ten hour shifts beat my brain into oblivan....

Update 12/4/09

There is no award for short-sightedness when it comes to relationships; any relationships, work, intimate, or anything in between. It’s easy to perceive a direction that a relationship is going in that specific moment. She doesn’t call you, it’s bad. She doesn’t text you – was she not that into me? A disparaging look, or a cold tone, and you ask yourself, “What happened to the smile?” It breeds a lot of questions, and the thought, “so, that was it?” crosses my mind. Can’t see passed the disappointment and fill the time pouting.

The horse blinders become apparent when people start showing me that I was wrong. They show me that they still enjoy my company, and I can revel in the feelings that come with being wanted once again. The disappoint that was so strong the moment before is quickly forgotten.

Update 12/5/09

I point out the fact that I work two jobs and attend college full time not to brag or fashion some kind of crutch. Well, okay, I’ll admit I use it a bit as a crutch, but whatever. The point is that I’m busy. This makes it difficult to be social. Changing out of work clothes and switch gears.
It hurts when I wish to spend time and energy on anything other than my core responsibilities. Which isn’t unique to me, most adults have to cram as much crap into their day to get by- to get what they want. What to do about this other than down an energy drink, and follow your friends?

It’s not always that easy, and I find myself quite often driving home instead of driving anywhere else. I want sleep, to get one more assignment done, and scrounge up something to eat; in that order of importance.

Generalizations.

2009-12-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

Statistics show that most violent crimes reported are committed by males, especially abuse, sexual and otherwise. (The gap between the genders in this statistics are decreasing)

I point this out in order to give some perspective.

In conversations with various women, there are certain generalizations that in one form or another are given. "Men are pigs, men are always thinking about sex, men will use whatever they can think of to manipulate their way into some "chick's" pants."

There seems to be some credence to these generalizations, but don't hold this against someone before there is reason. Certainly, people need to act on red flags, but not on paranoia or previous grievances (easier said than done). Not all of the male gender warrant having such generalizations applied to them. Not all are manipulative, liars, and other disparaging labels.

As someone who has been privy to women's stories of abuse (during childhood or as an adult), it crosses my mind when developing a relationship, that the individual may have had some level of abuse or negative situations occur. It also crosses my mind that I have an uphill battle to break their view of men that has been ruined by some sack-of-shit-of-a-man. There are stereotypes that I need to break.

There are opportunities that I've turned down, or shied away from in order to avoid "being that guy". Walking away (not easy) in order to prove to them and myself that sex isn't all that I'm about. That I haven't developed some level of connection in order to get a quick "hit n' run".

This has also blown up in my face. It has resulted in the individual thinking that they are undesirable, or that there is something wrong with me. Maybe making them infer that I lack confidence or that I'm too nervous or scared to act when an invitation of physical connection has been given. It creates confusion, resulting in killing the mood, and damaging their view of me.

I'm not entirely sure what to do about this, and still trying to work this out in my head.

I'm trying to get this off my chest and thus may not make much sense. This also contains quite a few assumptions on my part, and acknowledge my ignorance in the various areas of this topic.

I'll be editing and adding to this soon. It's something that I wish to delve into, and for others to consider and respond (even though I have nil readers).

Thanks for reading and commenting.

The Reader

2009-02-08T20:50:00.001-08:00

In the movie "The Reader", a statement was made during a heart felt conversation between professor and student. The professor said something along the lines of, "It isn't our emotions, but what we do." Not verbatim, but something like that.

The meaning that I got out of it was, it's not what we feel, but what we do that matters. The context was the point of existence within the deeds done in one's life. It could be applied to a much broader framework such as the philosophical understanding of the meaning of life. I don't think that is what the professor meant, but I move on.

It isn't our feelings, nor our emotion's; it is what we do. This make sense on it's own, though there are applications of this sentiment that runs into a paradox. In fictional writing, it is our emotions that drive the creation of the story. It is the inspiration from the words of others that impact the reader. It is this impact from emotion that indicates the importance of emotions. It isn't simply the act of writing that makes it valuable. Though, it is the work done that makes a story tangible. It is the doing that leaves a mark and gives meaning to one's life. In other words, there is weight to both the emotions, as well as the actions of the individual.

I'm not necessarily pushing towards a point, or trying to argue against the statements of the professor, but trying to splice out the deeper meaning. It begs further contemplations then just face value.

It's a good movie.

imdb
apple trailer

The IT Crowd & Spaced

2008-12-27T23:25:00.000-08:00

I've been eating up episodes of various UK comedic sitcoms. I would like to share a couple of shows with you fine folks.

First one that I can't get enough of is Spaced. It is directed by Edgar Wright. The same director of Shawn of the Dead & Hot Fuzz. If you haven't seen those movies, you're doing something wrong. They're brilliant. Edgar likes to put a ton of references into his shows and movies, so if you're a movie buff then his stuff is right up your ally.

Oh, yeah, Spaced is about two 20-somethings who find themselves searching for a flat. They join forces and lie about being a professional couple in order to get this great flat. There are other tenets that we come to know and love.

Instead of writing out the synopsis, I'll link to the wikipedia entry.

It's written by Simon Pegg (who plays Tim) & Jessica Stevenson (plays Daisy)

Very funny. Unfortunatly the show has ended, and they recently released the DVD here in the States. You can search for parts of the show on youtube and snipits at the Channel 4 site to see if you like.

The other show that I wish to mention, and one that has become quite popular in the UK and already started growing a sizeable fanbase in the US is The IT Crowd (wikipedia and/or Channel 4). Basically its two IT (information tech) geeks/nerds that find themselves with a supervisor that is dumb as a rock when it comes to a computer. They learn to get along, and stuggle with surviving the daily grind. It's good stuff and great laughs. There three seasons deep and don't show any signs of slowing down. It's probably important to mention that it's produced by Ash Atalla who was the producer on The Office (the UK version).

I'm sure that if you watch some of the streams out there on the internet that you'll get hooked like me.

Alright, since I'm lazy and I'm sure you are too, here are some vids.

The IT Crowd - Season 1 - Ep 1

The IT Crowd Episode1
Uploaded by Fegor

Spaced - Series 1 - Ep 3

A little change in format

2008-12-27T23:12:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I've posted on my blog, and it bugs me. It bugs me when people just leave a blog to stall and die. It just sits there on the internet like an old computer sits on the shelf. Either get rid of it, or do something with it.

With that in mind, I'm changing up the format a bit. I enjoy keeping track of politics and government, but I don't bump into enough information first hand to really post anything of worth that way. I'm sure when I get my classes started, and it's apart of my daily routine then I'll have more to talk about. I don't want to wait that long to post something of value.

I'm going to make it a more of a mash up of what interests me on any given moment. I won't post just random jabberings, but things I would tell friends and co-workers. "Hey, you should check this out." That kind of thing.

Music is one of those things that I'll mention and people will say, "I've never heard of that". They'll give it a listen and find that they like it (or hate it). Warms my heart.

Econmics and Politics, is something I'll try to post on, but I'm not going to post anything that you'll find on the front page of CNN.com or something. There is no reason for an off-the-radar blog to post stuff that's already all over the web. I'll try to link and comment on articles and blogs that have something interesting to contribute. Get the word out on those that have something to say.

They'll be other stuff, but just wanted to get a post down, and a notice of changes. Not that I get any traffic on this thing. It's more for the experience of writing and posting in a blog format (is there a format for these things?).

Alright, that is it.

An interesting article on last minute federal regulation

2008-11-17T20:53:00.000-08:00

Tripped over an article on the last minute federal regulation coming out of the oval office on the Colorado Independent.

The midnight deregulation express

by Matthew Blake
"It’s something of a tradition — administrations using their final weeks in power to ram through a slew of federal regulations. With the election grabbing the headlines, outgoing federal bureaucrats quietly propose and finalize rules that can affect the health and safety of millions."

Check out the whole article as it covers the basics on the changes that are in the works at this very minute.

Trying to remain on top of things...

2008-11-11T14:50:00.000-08:00

Last few days have been filled with talk about Obama winning the presidency and what that means for the country. That first 100 days or whatever initial time period they choose. I wasn't as interested in who won as much as the interest that this presidential race had stirred up. People were discussing politics everywhere. Conversations about health care, and economic issues. Discussing international happenings, and the two wars the U.S is involved in. And everything else under the sun was brought up in respect to how either of the candidates would address it. Which was the more qualified individual.

It was great to hear that people were takling about more serious topics than just what happened on the last episode of 'Lost' or 'Heros'.

But! The race is over, and a winner has been announced. Now the pressure is on the President, but that doesn't mean our jobs as citizens of the U.S is over. There is still the responsability to remain informed and be apart of our political system. Its not a choose, and walk away. American politics isn't an auto pilot. We don't just press a button and hope for the best. Though, that seems to be the general attitude.

That attitude is what allows politics and politicians in this country to go astray. We vote and elect someone to represent us, the people. We make up a group of constituants that are represented by various offices, on a city, county, state, and federal level. They represent us! They represent you. Though, they have more than just the want of the people pulling at them. They have pressure from what must like an endless number of groups and organizations. And as citizens, if we don't speak up and remain involved like so many were during the election, no matter what party majority we have, we won't have the outcome that we are looking for as a society.

With that being said, it is obvious that people are divided by their opinions on what the outcome should look like, and how we can accomplish it. This isn't a bad thing. It allows for a flow of ideas that will clash and compete. Compitition of ideas in order to find the strongest among them.

But! If people's interests in the political process and happenings fade, there won't be that contest. There won't be the voice of the people to be heard by that official trying to represent a group of people. They will only have groups and organizations to listen to. Still a level of compitition, but not neccisarily representing the will of the people. It'll be the will of corporations and groups that have their own agenda.

To summerize my thoughts, stay abreast of the politics that affect you. Council members, mayors, govoners, state house and congress officials, national house and congress. Know what they do and how they vote. If you're not happy, let them know. Write them a letter, or call the office. Make sure the citzenry as a whole is heard and represented.

Thick Skin made from Heineken and Salt n' Vinegar Chips

2008-10-24T23:11:00.000-07:00

First things first. To clear up any confusion as to what Heineken, awful tasting chips, and having a tough exterior have to do in common is the following:

Heineken and Salt & Vinegar chips go great together!

Chips and Beer have always had a kinship, but I usually dislike most mass produced beers, and besides tortilla chips n' salsa, I don't usually eat chips. So, it comes to my surprise that I'm enjoying both together.

Now that you know that I am imbibing alcohol at a rapid rate, you can probably understand where the topic of thick skin comes from. Although, I wish to talk about having thick skin without the need for liquid courage. That is my wish at the moment, but with the alcohol it's coming in the form of a rant.

Here goes...

Don't let people make you feel stupid, or less than, or embarrassed about the political opinions and choices that you make. They are yours and you've made them for a reason. They come from your personal perspectives and wants. The conversations that I have had, or have overheard, recently ends with someone taking it a personal level. Either directly or often indirectly with slight jabs. And, more often than not, making a political, social, economic stance into a four letter word.

Left-wing or Right-wing
Conservative or Liberal
Socialist or Communist
blah, and so forth....

People have different opinions because of an array of different reasons. And it gives strength to a political conversation or debate, as everyone's going to come with something slightly different.

With that being said, if you're talking out of your rear and making stuff up and someone calls you on that, then feel free to feel a bit dumb. Though, don't let that stop you from taking your wounded pride to the library or at the helm of some good Google searching and inform yourself.

Alright. Where's my bottle opener?

Deaf and Videos on the Internet

2008-10-20T23:53:00.000-07:00

After posting that last video I started thinking about the fact that there isn't much in the way of subtitles in videos found on the internet. An issue that I would think goes beyond alienating a deaf audience, and affects a potential international audience too. The ability to have the option to choose subtitles would greatly improve access to this already large source of communication on the internet.

...just a quick thought.

Its already the twentyth?

2008-10-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

That was quick....

It has already been ten days since my last post, and its already October 20^th.

Time seemed to be going quite slow for awhile. I must admit that I feel a bit surprised.

Enough about me being surprised at my already well proven and acknowledged lack of time and scheduling.

On to more interesting items!

Interesting video short of a McCain-supporter (along with two others) that was handing out bumper stickers while addressing a public making their way to a McCain rally. His subject matter of choice: Islam and Obama.

This rubbed people the wrong way.

A handful of McCain supporters (including an individual who said he was from the McCain's campaign) disagreed with his anti-Islam comments.

Check it out! No matter which presidential candidate you support.

Its this kind of reaction from the general public to ignorance that helps me continue with the study of politics and political science. It can get quite depressing sometimes, and this comes as a relief.

...now i gotta pee.

2008-10-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

I bumped into this video on the Angry Zen Master blog. More interesting videos and posts so be sure to visit & look around!

Oh yeah, now I remember.

2008-10-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

Small update...

Linux (in the form of ubuntu) has grown on me.

I've had to overcome some hurdles and frustration, and at times asked myself why not boot into Windows XP Pro (I have both ubuntu & winXP on this secondary system)?

The answer came from the realization that I went through waves of frustration and problems with Windows (3.1, 95, XP, Vista) like I am with Linux. There were times where I had to spend hours, days, and weeks trying to figure out why something wasn't working with Windows. Luckly, trying to figure out ubuntu and getting used to the various differences hasn't required days or weeks.

There are certainly pros and cons to both OS, but so far ubuntu has kept me entertained and challenged, and I see no reason to boot into Windows at this time.

Go Go Gadget... Linux?

2008-09-27T22:20:00.000-07:00

After some weird behavior on the part of my computer, I realized that the fan on my video card (eVGA 6600GT) seized up after years of hard work. I've pushed it pretty hard so no complaints from me.

By the time I figured out what was going on, it was to late to pick up a new fan or heat sink/fan combo from a local computer store (and the major chains never have what I need, nor do I wish to support them).

This forced me to drag out another computer for the time being. A fairly unused desktop that I built it for a family member who was better served with a laptop.

At some point I decided it would be fun to install linux on it. Its currently running Ubuntu version 6 (dot) whatever (dot) something. Its fun and a little bit off putting. I've been running Windows since Win 3.1, so I'm out of my comfort zone if you will.

So far, so good. We'll see how far I get.

A prime example

2008-09-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

Blogger (by Google) has done a great job in making blogging easy for the masses. Its quite straight forward, which is why blogger is a great example of the reasoning behind this blog.

"...personal blog on figuring out the simpler things in life that don't seem so simple"

Trying to get this thing to look and act right (to my liking) has been a pain. It seems simple, but here I am fumbling around with it. I could use this as proof to my own ignorance or inability, but people keep saying I'm neither ignorant or incapable (thanks for the reassurance ya'all).

Jeez, simple things that ain't simple. Is that life? Is that being human? Is that just asking simple questions in order to sound philosophically profound?

Sheesh. I'm outta here. Wherz my coffiez?

A reoccurring thought ...

2008-09-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

In the infancy of styles or genres like hip-hop and funk, lyrics covered the whole spectrum of human experience, but had a strong presence of social and political themes that aren't there anymore.

Funk has been diluted, and almost forgotten after the 70s, here in the United States. We don't have a James Brown telling the people to "Get Up, Get Into It and Get Involved" or "Get Up Offa That Thing". We don't have the strong lyrics from Sly or Parliament. It seems to survive in a more original musical form in the UK, but for the most part, funk became absorbed in more popular genres and that sentiment that stemmed from the civil rights movement disappeared.

In hip-hop, its seems like its all for show. Relying on catchy hooks, slang, and image. The material that passes for rap is what it is. Plenty of people have talked and written about the state of hip-hop, rap, etc. Not to say individuals/groups like Talib Kwali, Common, The Roots, People Under the Stairs, and others have abandoned the poetic reporting of strife in people's lives. They continue to go past saying how bad things are, and get into calling for people attention to the social and political wrongs. Calling for people to stand up for their rights, and to not be pacified or denied.

Thats it for now.

Oh, what the hell?

2008-09-20T01:51:00.000-07:00

Its 2:50 AM and for some reason I'm awake.
I was asleep.
Now I'm awake, and the alarm will be going off in about an hour to alert me to impending work. I'm starting to feel sleepy, but I figure getting a few things done while up would be efficient use of this random awakeness.

I was alerted to a job opening for a bank teller via monster.com, and figured I'd jump on that. Updated resume and sent that off.

I received a friend request earlier on Facebook from someone I know at my current job. I didn't expect someone from work to seek me out, and it quite the pleasant surprise. I was browsing over his pictures and friends. This was an unexpected insight into the person, as I just met the guy maybe a few weeks ago. Certainly a different way to get to know someone. A cool situation I must say. The little things like this that indicate how sites like Facebook, myspace, etc affect society and it's interactions.

My dog is snoring. *snicker*

nite

Ironical quote

2008-09-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

"We are not against freedom of speech or expression but you cannot insult people." Seda Aral - acting as press assistant to Harun Yahya.

One more time, shall we?

2008-09-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

I had a blog of sorts over at my Myspace page, but I got sick of that sink hole and deleted the whole thing. It was more of a journal, but I enjoyed posting stuff that got under my skin or needed the chance to write it out. I didn't care if anyone read it or not. Same situation here. I wanted a place that I could post those things that stood out in my day and on the internet. I hope people who do bump into it will enjoy though.