Tuesday, May 27, 2008

The worst mistake that you can make is to think you're alive when really you're asleep in life's waiting room.

So, something like 9 months ago, I came to the realization that I'd been waiting for something to happen that would define my life. Then I realized that this waiting wasn't getting me anywhere I was trying to go. Thats when I decided to do something about it.

With some helpful coaxing, I decided that I would move to Seattle, become a chef, work in a kitchen, and enjoy what I do for a living.

Fast forward to today. Its a beautiful day here in Seattle. I just signed a lease, and payed rent with my own cash. If you gander over to the left you'll see me in a Anthony's chef's jacket, at work, in a kitchen.

So, like, I did it. Throughly. I just wanted to point out that all of that hit me about an hour ago, and I'm feeling pretty fucking good about it.
I rule.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Fishing Adventure

John and I went on a Fishing Adventure today. No fish and sun burnt, I returned home rejuvinated. It's been absolutely beautiful for about 3 days and man did I need it. The news guy is freaking out about the heatwave. I'm only starting to roll my sleeves up. Where is 85 degrees a heatwave if not heaven? There was also alot of nature to enjoy along the way and I got some good pics. Check them out on Flickr.

After that we went to the University District Street Fair. Graham I got some pics for you, along with a good vid suitable for everyone. Check it out here:
Capoeira!
Jugglers!

Saturday night ended perfectly as well. I almost fell(pushed?) off a pier, but even that would have been worth it.

PeAcE!

Friday, May 16, 2008

GTA 4

Can you see where the line ends? Me either, but damned if I didn't have to get in it. GTA4 Zero Day. Heres the review.

Lets start with the Graphics. Now bear in mind everyone has had to make a SIGNIFICANT hardware upgrade since the last GTA, this game proves the worth of said hardware. Everything is beautiful, no doubt. What strikes me however is the seem-less animation of everything. Kudos to the developers on not resting on their laurels. Sure its on the 360, but they made serious use of it.

The gameplay wasn't as flawless as earlier reported or as much as I had expected. (Due to previous reports undoubtedly.) I'm still using Auto target ALL THE TIME. Thankfully it will spin you 270 degree along with the camera and allow you to shoot. The addition of a "Take Cover" button which locks you to the nearest wall was a great idea. On the downside, sometimes it doesn't want you to unlock from the wall. Occasionally it will detect the wrong surface and have you out in the open. Not as well implemented as I was hoping for. The controls themselves seem a bit sluggish. They always have in GTA. After a few hours of gameplay you won't even notice it.

The Story. Here is where the game shines. Bear in mind I'm only about 47% through the story, but man, this is awesome. I've laughed and cried and pissed my pants. This is basically a summer blockbuster crime thriller movie, with 40+ hours of gameplay included. Not only that, but with the addition of the characters cell phone, its integrated perfectly. Never does a cut scene come at the wrong time or pull you out of the story. At certain times in the game you are given choices that effect the story from that point on. Choose your own adventure. The downside is that now I've got to play through the game 3 or 4 times. I'll take that as a downside any day of the week

Multiplayer. Yeah man. If you can stay up til 3 am and manage to play with the older UK crowd, this can be totally awesome. Props to xbox live! too. Voice chat among 16 players has never been smoother. For the first 3 days after the release in the US there was a golden age of Hangman's NOOSE. Everyone was 100% committed to getting the best time on the leaderboards, and it was awesome.

Other points. This game has definitely been streamlined for mass consumption. Gone are the open countryside areas of SA. The property buying. Stats. New is the cellphone, the car service, waypoints on the map. It's easier. You don't have to learn the streets. You don't have to buy body armor before every mission. I almost wonder, given time, if SA will prove to have been the better game. On the other hand, who am I to say. Record sales will speak for themselves.

Its a hardknock life


























FUCK CHEESECAKE FACTORY. Now thats out of the way. Long story short, no call back. Oh well. The hunt continues. Monday brought with it the acquisition of a King County Food Handlers License. W00t! Now maybe I can get some kitchen work in. My spot lacks an actual kitchen, and I was really starting to jones for real meal. I busted out the fro-man and got grillin. Pic available.

Also, allergies. Previously what was a mild inconvenience is now a painful headache. Literally. It has attacked me like smallpox infested firewater to the native population. I just was not prepared.

Hey Mom, happy mothers day!


New Albums - Portishead, NIN and Bad Brains
New Music - Does it Offend You? Yeah! and Iron and Wine
Check'em out.