NES Quiz

I remember in Middle School when the NES came out. My friends would always swap game cartidges to play. Unfortunately I had a SEGA master system, so I would always watch with envy. I know, pity me! Anyway, here's a quiz to see how well you know your NES games. Most are pretty easy actually.
I got a 1550! Apparently I own Mario bed sheets or something.

An Autopsy of a flop

If you love movies as much as I do, this article will really interest you. Even if you don't, it's a fascinating and scarce look into how movies get made financially. Apparently budgets and expenses are closely closely guarded secrets among the movie industry. Somehow the operating budget for Sahara (considered a flop) was leaked to the LA Times.

Game: Boomshine

A very relaxing game, where you blow up balls of light that causes a chain reaction of other balls blowing up. The music really helps the whole mood as well. As yet, I'm unable to pass the last level.

TV Tunes

Most websites that have TV show theme songs are usually in midi, and as a result sound tinny. I found a site that has a lot of the TV shows (even current ones like NCIS) in nice mp3 format. They aren't studio quality, but they're still better than midi. Gah, kittens screeching while clawing on metal garbage cans sound better than midi.

iConcertCal

For those of you with iTunes, you may find this helpful. It's a plug-in, that will grab concert dates, based on your location as well as the mp3s on your playlist. Pretty inventive, almost makes me want to get an ipod... ALMOST.

Game: Draw Play

Finally, an interesting game with a new mechanic! You use the mouse to draw a ramp and use the arrow keys to move the guy. Objective is to reach the flag, but there are obstacles along the way. Pretty fun. Watch for the rotating spikes!

A new Google Service!

I saw this yesterday. I have already signed up for the program, and it really works!
http://www.google.com/tisp/

Video: Montage

Here's a great video that spoofs all those cheesy movie montages that have those inspiring songs set to them. It's great. Took me about 2 montages before I figured out it was a spoof.

Tricks of the Trade

An interesting collection of little tricks that people do to help their work go easier. It may help you in your job, although a lot of them are for uncommon jobs such as balloon animal makers and jugglers. But it's fun to read.

Perfect Nap

Here's an article on how to take the perfect power nap. Enjoy.

Best Homemade Rube Goldberg Video

I know there's tons of goldberg videos online. This has got to be one of the coolest ones I've seen. It includes everything, fire, vacuum, even a bow and arrow! And it's all amateur. I think these guys need to clean up their house tho. It's a mess!

Worst April Fools Pranks

Somehow I don't think it's very funny for a government regime to play April Fool's Pranks... Call me crazy.

Game: Qwerty Warriors

Happy Monday!
A typing game. Type the word underneath the enemy to kill/destroy it. It starts slow but ramps up quickly. One problem I found was that sometimes it was hard to read the word. Anyway, my first trial I got 55480, which is only half as good as the best, so I'm going to keep trying. Anyway, it's fun and educational!

Video: History of Pop in 4 chords

The guy sings pretty well, and demonstrates one of pop music's most popular chord progression. Check it out at his blog.

Quiz: American Accents

Interesting quiz. At the end it will tell you where you're from, based on your answers. It guessed me correctly. See how you do!

Column: Fiction

It's been a while, I know. I've been a little busy with stuff, so I haven't had much time to actually just sit down and write coherent essays. It's not like I've run out of things to talk about, but it's a time thing. I've been pretty inconsistent with my quiet time and devotion as well, however, hopefully I will be on track again.

For those who don't know me, I'm an avid reader. I've always loved to read, ever since I first learned the skill. I vividly remember reading through the ENTIRE book of Dick and Jane, and was glad that Spot was OK in the end. I distinctly remember loving the beginning, but the end was meh. I read a diverse set of books, from suspense (usually spy/military/political) to murder mysteries; pulp to classics. My favorite is fantasy. If you're ever interested, ask me, and I'll be glad to hook you up with quality fantasy books. And no, that doesn't include Harry Potter.

I don't hate the Potter series because it's anti-Christian or whatever. I don't believe it will cause people to take up witchcraft. I doubt even if someone manages to make a gay wand, it'll do anything "special" other than getting their butt kicked in the playground. And saying that it glorifies witches and wizards is just crazy-talk. Children are not that gullible. What about all the traditional folk tales that our society has grown up with? Jack and the Beanstalk, Thumbelina, even Cinderella! That has a sorceress in it. Where's the talk of banning THAT movie by the Christian "family" groups?

No, the real reason I don't like the books is because -- and please allow me the pleasure to state the obvious-- Harry Potter is for kids! This is not a broad generalization similar to how people state that video games are for kids (which incidentally, I hate to hear!). Seriously, if I were 7-12, I would be all over HP Harry (I'm sorry, I just tried to abbreviate Harry Potter, but there can be only ONE HP. Lovecraft rules! *Ahem* sorry about that.). I can see how it can be an engaging story and all, but I'm not 7-12 (although I'm sure some of my friends would argue that I am mentally). The childish contrivances, the forced ways Rowlings abruptly ends a chapter just to force the reader to continue. It's bad. The writing is bad, the characters are all cardboard cutouts. Harry is the man, err- wizard. He's the most powerful magician, the best broomstick flyer (yay, how would you like that on your resume? I like to ride a wooden stick.). He has no weaknesses, other than the fact he acts like an idiot most of the time. Playwriters call it... BORING.

To see adults reading the book is disheartening to me. It shows that the average person is an idiot. I don't mean you guys of course! I'm just saying the "AVERAGE", but because you read my blog, obviously you aren't average. How's that for a save...? Anyway, to me it says that adults read at a fifth-grade level. They prefer easy-to-read books, with no "layers". Onions have layers too; that's probably why adults don't like onions either. Basically, Ms. Rowlings catered to the lowest common denominator, the path of most readership. She put money as the reason for writing, not the story itself. Did she milk the franchise? You bet she did. And that is why I abhor Harry Potter.

So, how about the argument that what we put into our minds is what enters our hearts? Jesus did warn against it, after all. I can see the point that Christian groups make. But I wonder if Potter is the whipping post, simply because of its fame. I'll talk more about that point, in the next column.

Game:Scribble

It's a lemming-type game, where you have to save the stupid blots (lemmings) from death and get them to the end of the level. The difference is that you use your mouse to draw ramps and fuses to get them past the traps and enemies. A neat twist. Plus you can save your game as well.

Ask Dad

Ok, I don't care what you Peanuts-loving fanatics say, Calvin and Hobbes is the best newspaper strip EVAR!
To prove it, here are some awesome examples.
Calvin's dad is the kind of dad I want to be :) (I sure hope this doesn't lessen my chances of finding a wife!)

Space etiquette

Have you ever wondered how astronauts pee and poo? No? Well...uh.. me neither. Anyway, you should read this so you won't be embarassed the first time you're up on the space station.

50 Pieces of Art

According to the readers of the Guardian Unlimited, a British magazine, here are the top 50 artwork you have to see before you die. So...it's something to strive for, I guess.

Game: Ice breaker

You know what day is today? Of course you do, it's Online Game day! This one is about a guy running into ice walls. I find it very funny when after he congratulates himself he runs smack into the next ice wall. Very entertaining. What I did was to position my cursor so that I click it right when a wall passes the mouse. That helps get the timing down. Happy Friday, my dear reader(s)!

How to win arguments

If you ever met me, you'd know I love to argue. Well, argue is a strong word. It's more like I like to discuss. Sometimes I would take the opposite point just because it's fun, sometimes to see what a person really believes. Most often because I like to play with their minds. Anyway, here's a site that offers tips on how to win arguments.

First Aid Myths

Not much else to say really. 10 myths that are debunked. Read it and be self-actualized.

Art on the pin of a needle

This is some crazy art. If I may bring you back into the early oughts, he's got mad skillz! Scroll down for pictures.

Walking the fine line...

As human beings, there's always a line. That line could be the absolute boundary of our moral behavior, ie "The line you don't want to cross.". The line could also be a set goal, you wish to accomplish. "If I make it to Senior Vice-Boss of Thingamajig, by 30, I'm right on track." But there's also another line, the so-called "Fine Line". In this case, the fine line is the distinction between one extreme and the other. For humans, there are fine lines between like and love, between ingenuity and stupidity. For Americans, there is a fine line between conservative and moderate, or moderate and liberal. And for Christians... well, there's about thirty more "fine lines" we have to deal with. What are some of them?
Well, at this stage in my life, the BIGGEST one is between "Waiting on God's Will and passivity". What is the distinction between waiting for God to show you what his will is for your life, and not doing anything at all? I mean, people always talk about God's perfect timing. When he wants you to have a girlfriend, he will let you know. There's no point rushing it, it will only lead to despair. Or, "God will let you know in his own "Mysterious Way" when you'll have kids." It's always about God's timing. Ok, so, that means I should wait, right? But then, at what point does that "waiting" turn into "passiveness"? It may look to you like I'm not doing anything at all, but in reality, I'm "waiting" for God to do something. Is this how it's supposed to work?
"Doing God's Will and keeping busy" This is another one that people, often Church leaders always stress. A common passage explaining it is the one comparing and contrasting Martha with Mary, when they receive Jesus into their house. Look at Mary, attentively catering to Jesus! Awww... isn't that precious? But look at Martha, rushing around like a chicken without a head! Boooo! And yet, ironically, often with the same breath, these preachers are lamenting the fact that no one is stepping up to help out with Church committees and functions. So, what is the line between doing what God wants me to do, and me, just serving the Church, because I've been pressured into doing it? Maybe the pastor asking me Is God's way of showing me how to serve Him?
"Selfish and wealthy" This is applies more to the wealthy Christians. Is it ok to be wealthy? Is it ok to want to buy new things? What about all those other Christians who say things like, "You know the money you used to buy that new coat, could have been used to feed a hundred homeless people for 10 years!" What's the proper response for that? Should we all give up our earthly pleasures in order to serve the poor? Is there something wrong with being rich? My uncle had that problem. He's a pretty wealthy man, and I wouldn't say he splurges a lot. Sure, he really likes to eat, but on the whole he's pretty good with money. He tithes to the Church and gives to many charity organizations. So, one time, he wanted to buy a Porsche. But his son stopped him and said, "You know, with all the money to buy that Porsche, you could give it to needy churches instead." That didn't stop my uncle, though; it only delayed him. He bought the Porsche about a year later.
"Serving and Chores" At what point does serving the Lord become a chore? How long must a person dread doing something before it just becomes busy-work? And if no one else does it, who will? I'm reminded of a story I once heard, about this University Professor bundling up twigs for the Church and placing them out in the street for the Garbage collection the next day. That can't be a very fun job, and it's way below his intellectual skills. So, is that serving God, or just another chore he has to do?
"Judging and Rebuking" I hear this all the time, "Don't judge me!", uttered any time someone wants to talk to another brother or sister about some wrong. Is that person really judging or is it a rebuke? What's the difference? Here are some common examples: Persuading someone from not getting a Tattoo. Letting someone know that hats are not worn during service. No bringing alcohol to a fellowship activity.

Well, there are plenty of others, but this post is already quite long. I know, a "Fine Line between a long post and a boring post". Anyway, if you can think of others, write it in the comment section.

Hand Star Wars

Have you ever made shadow puppets with your hands? Well this is not like that... Some enterprising people recreated the final scene in Star Wars using nothing but hands. You really got to see it to believe it.

Quiz: Spot the Speed Trap!

Not really a game, but more a warning to be careful while driving. At least in the UK, the police are very devious when it comes to hiding the speed cameras. I'm not sure about US, but nevertheless you should always drive slowly or be prepared for the consequence.

Video: Cell

Wow. Not only is this an amazing video graphically, but it's also educational! If you have ever taken biology (and still remember it!) this really brings a whole new perspective on the inner-workings of the cell. The musical score fits perfectly as well. Awesome graphics, music AND educational! What more could you ever want?
Warning: You will need Flash to see it.

Rent-o-meter

Are you paying too much? For those of you who are renting and for those who are renting out, here's a tool that will analyze the surrounding apartments and let you know how your place compares to the neighborhood.

Column: Suckitude

Hello all,
It's been a while since I made any rants. It's partly because I was busy, partly because I was discouraged by the lack of readership, but mostly because I ran out of things to talk about. You try thinking up 52 cogent, interesting things to write, THEN, mebbe you can tell me to quit my whining, and suck it up.

Which smoothly transitions into what I'm going to talk about today. Warning: The rest of this essay is filled with bad words. Please do not read this while in the presence of little children, more specifically, literate children. This four-letter word has been subject of many a debate and has gotten me on the bad list of one of my pastors. The word is

Suck

As a kid, teenager, and yes, even in adulthood, I've always used the word "suck" in my vocabulary. This food sucks. This game sucks. It sucks. That sucks. And it's not like I'm using the word in place of other words, similar to heck, dang, or hockey puck. I'm not using it in a sexual manner either. How can algebra suck anything? It's not alive! So, for me, I just consider it as another way of saying something blows --err-- is bad, not in that 80's, Michael Jackson bad, but terrible. Stinks. Hurls.

So, how I got on the bad list, was that I was writing an email to a mailing list, which happened to have the pastor on it as well. It didn't matter to me, I'm a good clean-mouthed kid, or so I thought. I think I wrote about how something DOESN'T suck, and within 10 minutes, an email was sent to the ENTIRE mailing list, not just to me, from the pastor, detailing how I should watch what I say, and to not use offensive language in Church. To say I was surprised, was definitely an understatement. I was outraged. It's just a word! And it's not a bad word. This incident brought me back to when I was in Kindergarten and I was benched for saying "Black Hole" (I think I mentioned this story once, but I'm too lazy to look it up). I was so ready to fire off an reply, and to quit the list, never to write there again.

Well, this happened about 4 or 5 years ago. However, this problem, like Jaws and zits, has resurfaced. At church, I was talking with some friends, who happened to be parents and they were telling me about a problem one of the kids was having. Naturally concerned for the young child's welfare, I asked them what was wrong? One of them explained that their precious innocent child has started to use bad words. Mortified and utterly repulsed by such a notion, I asked which bad words? And then, that's when my idea of this kid swearing like a sailor got destroyed. He said the word, "Suck". Biting back the sigh of relief, I proceeded to argue with him...politely, of course.

According to him, whether the use of the word, "suck" is bad or not is all determined by the context. Which strangely enough, was my argument. However, in his point of view, the context is that any time the word describes something negative, then it's a bad word. So, when his child says something like, "School sucks!" Then, this is a bad word. But if the child were to say, "I need a straw to suck the juice" then, it's ok. I, of course, disagree. Saying something sucks in a negative way is similar to saying something is bad. For example, is it all right for someone to say, "Math stinks"? Stink in this case is used negatively as well, meaning in effect, I hate math. It's exactly the same way as the word, "suck". The context behind me saying "Math sucks" is equivalent to saying Math stinks. That is all. You can't say that stink is ok to say, but suck is not. That doesn't make sense.

Now, if I were to use the word suck in a sexual way, then yes, I can see where that becomes a bad word. But I doubt a little kid, six or seven years old knows that. And I'm pretty sure, he didn't use it in that context. Oh well, that's my feeling on the subject. What do you think? And don't quote me the Bible where it says, something about do not let unclean words come out. I agree with that. My argument/confusion is in what is considered unclean words? Describing the hatred you feel for a subject, a thing (NOT a person), I feel is ok. It's not unclean. But it's when talking about people, my brothers and sisters, Christian and Non, that's when words can become unclean.

Online Dating: Not what it's cracked up to be?

A recent scientific study went into why many online relationships fail. The results are not that brain-shattering, if you think about it. What, men lie about their height and weight? No!

For the pet owner who has everything...

This is a little outrageous in my mind. But, for all you pet owners, this may be right your alley. "Elite Pet Havens", it's called. "Way too much money", I call it.

Ingenious transports

Have you ever helped someone move? Well, I have. I was one of the few people in my group that had a truck, which meant any time someone needed to move, they called me. Yup, my popularity was based on my ownership of a large vehicle with a big capacity. Anyway, to save on gas, I would always try to find creative ways to pack up the truck. I thought I was pretty good at it, I viewed it like playing Tetris in real life! But, these people put me to shame!

80's Commercials

Ooops, turns out I missed Monday's Post. Sorry about that. I'll post 2 today to make up for it.
Giant Magazine has managed to find a whole bunch of 80's commercials and put them all in one list. Wow, some really take me back to when I was a child. Good times, good times... I totally agree w/ their number 1 ad. I remember it so well...

A NEW New Hope

When I first saw Episodes 1-3 of Star Wars, I couldn't believe how many faces I knew. And I figured, Lucas was just milking it as fan-service for us old fogeys who grew up with Epi 4-6. Well, this guy basically retells Star Wars Ep 4, in light of what happened in the Ep1-3 trilogy. It's a very interesting read, and it makes sense.

How unique are you?

An interesting page, that shows how many other people in the US have the same name as you. I don't think it's very accurate yet, since according to it, my sister and some of my friends don't even exist! So why don't you check to see if you exist in the US.

Gizmondo's Downfall

A shocking account of the total breakdown of a portable tech company. I still can't believe how an ex-con was able to bilk so much money out of investors! Don't people do research anymore?

Real World Mad Scientists

The implications are pretty scary. Once again, what was once Hollywood science fiction will soon become reality. Isn't Island of Dr. Moreau and Frankenstein required reading for budding researchers? Well it oughta be.

Smart or Stoopid?

Ok, now that the craziness that was my weekend has passed, I feel refreshed and ready to go. Here's a quiz for you guys. Please keep in mind, this isn't an "official" quiz, although I must say, it was pretty accurate in my case :>

So, you smart or stoopid?

I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours ;)

Break Time's Almost Over

Sorry for the lack of updates this month. I needed the downtime to recharge my batteries, as the idiom goes. Also, it's been pretty busy for me, with work and some personal things, like planning a surprise party. I'm almost positive she won't see this, so I don't think I'm ruining it. Here's a hint about who it's for: She gave birth to me. I know it's a puzzle, but I'm sure you'll figure it out. Also, I'm taking a step back to re-think what to do this year with the blog. So hang back, and I promise I'll have new updates for you next month!

Ciao!