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Hang on - whirlwind update the thing!
Oct. 8th, 2013 07:47 am1. I am still in love with Twin Peaks. Can't believe I never watched it before (but I remember the first episode where Coop retrieves one of the 'letters' BOB leaves behind is what put me off when it was on TV (and I was a bit young to watch it, TBH).
2. Fencing progresses well. I usually manage once a week, and at least one trail-run a week. Don't know if I'll try to join the YMCA or a gym in winter? It's definitely cooling down. I found some giant puffball mushrooms in a woods on my last run but didn't collect any to try and cook... they were a bit too close to a path where people walk their dogs...
3. Tried to reconnect with a medieval music group here... and there are only two of them :( and they both play recorder :( So I don't know... maybe they need another player to get critical mass enough to draw other players, but I'm not sure if I want to stick it out and hope?? I'll try a few more times and see how I feel.
4. I want to try the David Lynch signature blend coffee. Not sure where I can get it here, but need to investigate.
5. The Government shut-down means a lot of the websites I use in my invasive species research are down. This affects me! Get those morons back to work, I say! ... In all seriousness, it's pretty darn disheartening thinking about just how broken our government is, and about how the two-party system, as dominated by special interest groups, completely remove control from "The People". I read somewhere that the 400 richest people in America own more than 150 MILLION of the poorest Americans, which seems positively absurd, and not a little sad. And People are starting to talk about the next campaigns... which makes me glad I don't get a terrestrial TV signal. Campaign ads are pretty much the worst thing.
Whoa. Got a little deep there at the end. Sorry.
In other news. I'm seeing Dylan Moran perform a stand up show in a week!! HURRAH FOR COMEDIC MISANTHROPY!!!!
2. Fencing progresses well. I usually manage once a week, and at least one trail-run a week. Don't know if I'll try to join the YMCA or a gym in winter? It's definitely cooling down. I found some giant puffball mushrooms in a woods on my last run but didn't collect any to try and cook... they were a bit too close to a path where people walk their dogs...
3. Tried to reconnect with a medieval music group here... and there are only two of them :( and they both play recorder :( So I don't know... maybe they need another player to get critical mass enough to draw other players, but I'm not sure if I want to stick it out and hope?? I'll try a few more times and see how I feel.
4. I want to try the David Lynch signature blend coffee. Not sure where I can get it here, but need to investigate.
5. The Government shut-down means a lot of the websites I use in my invasive species research are down. This affects me! Get those morons back to work, I say! ... In all seriousness, it's pretty darn disheartening thinking about just how broken our government is, and about how the two-party system, as dominated by special interest groups, completely remove control from "The People". I read somewhere that the 400 richest people in America own more than 150 MILLION of the poorest Americans, which seems positively absurd, and not a little sad. And People are starting to talk about the next campaigns... which makes me glad I don't get a terrestrial TV signal. Campaign ads are pretty much the worst thing.
Whoa. Got a little deep there at the end. Sorry.
In other news. I'm seeing Dylan Moran perform a stand up show in a week!! HURRAH FOR COMEDIC MISANTHROPY!!!!
DM Concerts - Delta Machine Tour
Aug. 26th, 2013 07:59 pmSO I went to Detroit for the first time to see Depeche Mode in Concert last thursday, then saw them again in Chicago on Saturday. It was amazing again!! I went with my sister, who is almost as much of a depeche mode fan as I am. I customized some shoes for the occasion... a pair for her and a pair for myself. :D
The concerts were amazing - really good seats (particularly for Detroit) and the set was fabulous!! Black Celebration! But Not Tonight! A Pain that I'm Used To! obviously Enjoy the Silence, Personal Jesus, Policy of Truth and of course, my personal favourite.... Never Let Me Down.
Going to work today, I'm conflicted. On the one hand, I'm still happy I had such a great time, on the other... now I no longer these to look forward to. I'm back to waiting... For another album, then hope for another tour. I don't think I can afford to see them anywhere else this tour, (unless they happen to come back to the Upper Midwest). But they all still look great up there, so here's hoping for the next one :)
The concerts were amazing - really good seats (particularly for Detroit) and the set was fabulous!! Black Celebration! But Not Tonight! A Pain that I'm Used To! obviously Enjoy the Silence, Personal Jesus, Policy of Truth and of course, my personal favourite.... Never Let Me Down.
Going to work today, I'm conflicted. On the one hand, I'm still happy I had such a great time, on the other... now I no longer these to look forward to. I'm back to waiting... For another album, then hope for another tour. I don't think I can afford to see them anywhere else this tour, (unless they happen to come back to the Upper Midwest). But they all still look great up there, so here's hoping for the next one :)
Lookin' good, Coop.
Aug. 18th, 2013 07:05 pmI'm watching Twin Peaks for the first time. It's on Netflix. I'm loving it. I am one of those people that likes David Lynch films, so any of the oddness isn't phasing me at all. I can see how it might have been strange at the time though - especially pre-X-Files.
But one thing I would like to say... Kyle MacLaughlin as Agent Cooper. Wowza!! :D He is fabulous! Easily one of my favourite characters now, and not too bad on the eyes as well!!
and on thursday,... DEPECHE MODE!!!!! WOOO!!!
But one thing I would like to say... Kyle MacLaughlin as Agent Cooper. Wowza!! :D He is fabulous! Easily one of my favourite characters now, and not too bad on the eyes as well!!
and on thursday,... DEPECHE MODE!!!!! WOOO!!!
You know, I can really never tell if people that CONSISTENTLY spell my name wrong (with an "e") in work emails do so because:
1) they are too busy to get something relatively simple like how to spell a colleagues name correctly
2) they are too rude/indifferent to get something relatively simple like how to spell a colleagues name correctly
3) they secretly harbour some type of resentment about my way of spelling my name. Basically, I'm doing it wrong and they hope to correct me by always spelling my name the way they perceive it SHOULD BE (according to them). I don't actually know if there've been studies to examine the frequency of Stacy/Stacey?
4) they already know a Stacy and it would be too confusing to know two - so I get to have the "e"
In actuality, I've gotten so damn used to this over the years that I hardly blink. But when someone writes an email to specifically ask for my assistance or thank me for help, I just kinda feel they should at least try to get my name right? Especially if my name is RIGHT THERE on the email about 2 or 3 times?
1) they are too busy to get something relatively simple like how to spell a colleagues name correctly
2) they are too rude/indifferent to get something relatively simple like how to spell a colleagues name correctly
3) they secretly harbour some type of resentment about my way of spelling my name. Basically, I'm doing it wrong and they hope to correct me by always spelling my name the way they perceive it SHOULD BE (according to them). I don't actually know if there've been studies to examine the frequency of Stacy/Stacey?
4) they already know a Stacy and it would be too confusing to know two - so I get to have the "e"
In actuality, I've gotten so damn used to this over the years that I hardly blink. But when someone writes an email to specifically ask for my assistance or thank me for help, I just kinda feel they should at least try to get my name right? Especially if my name is RIGHT THERE on the email about 2 or 3 times?
Living for the weekend!!
Aug. 3rd, 2013 10:03 amWooo!! It's the weekend!! Got some tickets to the WI state fair - gonna try to get out there tomorrow, all the suggestions I've gotten say "GET THERE EARLY OR NO PARKING" so IDK - gonna see what it's like. Apparently there are park and rides/shuttles as options as well.
I'm really trying to remember the last time I went, and I can't. When I was a kid growing up, it was a yearly tradition. My family and two family friends, we'd go and look at the animals, get a cream puff, eat BBQ pork as Saz's, stop at the DNR section, and slide down that giant fiberglass slide with the burlap sacks. But I can't remember the last time I went. Probably just before my parents divorced if I had to guess...
So I'm looking forward to it as a new experience as an adult -- I'll probably end up with a very similar day - possibly spending more time looking at the plant displays, and I'm not sure if I'll go for the crazier "Deep-fried-foods-on-a-stick" or not...
but today is for relaxing at home, catching up on stuff, and maybe going for a run.
I'm really trying to remember the last time I went, and I can't. When I was a kid growing up, it was a yearly tradition. My family and two family friends, we'd go and look at the animals, get a cream puff, eat BBQ pork as Saz's, stop at the DNR section, and slide down that giant fiberglass slide with the burlap sacks. But I can't remember the last time I went. Probably just before my parents divorced if I had to guess...
So I'm looking forward to it as a new experience as an adult -- I'll probably end up with a very similar day - possibly spending more time looking at the plant displays, and I'm not sure if I'll go for the crazier "Deep-fried-foods-on-a-stick" or not...
but today is for relaxing at home, catching up on stuff, and maybe going for a run.
Ugh. It has been very humid and warm for what feels like a million years, but was probably, in actual fact, a week or two. We keep getting rain and thunderstorms (usually at night, but not always) but the humidity isn't breaking and giving us a few days of respite, just another system rolling in. I guess this is really my first summer in a long time in inland WI as opposed to Scotland or 'Cooler by the Lake' WI, and yes, there is a difference. My hair - what the hell do I do with it even? ;)
I saw Man of Steel, and gotta say I found it enjoyable enough. Not amazing, and I am not a Superman fan so IDK if it 'ruined' his character the way some fans are complaining, but an enjoyable enough summer flick. Maybe my standards are too low (this is a distinct possibility I acknowledge given my taste in films) but really --- I am SICK of going to see something, thinking it was decent enough, then stupidly checking out a tag on Tumblr or watching a review to see the geek-spite FLOWING. When did everybody start hating everything? Did I miss a collective geek memo or something? Can I disagree with a few things in a film but still generally enjoy the overall experience?
Anywhoo - I'm just gonna keep on liking things. And telling myself that I'm not 'sweating like I'm gonna die', it's called 'glowing'. Summer 2013.
I saw Man of Steel, and gotta say I found it enjoyable enough. Not amazing, and I am not a Superman fan so IDK if it 'ruined' his character the way some fans are complaining, but an enjoyable enough summer flick. Maybe my standards are too low (this is a distinct possibility I acknowledge given my taste in films) but really --- I am SICK of going to see something, thinking it was decent enough, then stupidly checking out a tag on Tumblr or watching a review to see the geek-spite FLOWING. When did everybody start hating everything? Did I miss a collective geek memo or something? Can I disagree with a few things in a film but still generally enjoy the overall experience?
Anywhoo - I'm just gonna keep on liking things. And telling myself that I'm not 'sweating like I'm gonna die', it's called 'glowing'. Summer 2013.
I dream of wires.
May. 12th, 2013 06:43 pmSpent yesterday helping my bro-in-law sell wooden shoes. He and I have officially signed up for our first joint craft fair in a month's time. NO PRESSURE!! I'm making up some designs for painted mugs, I've got some glass sun-catchers I've done and a bunch of different comic-stuff. Hope it's fun...
I've covered the back porch of the apartment I'm renting in pots with tomatoes, basil, courgettes, bell peppers and blue-podded peas (which I got at a local seed swap. Said seed swap was also where this pair of old ladies offered me Datura seeds. I was like "Datura seeds.... where have I heard that name before.... Oh yeah, they're from Fallout:New Vegas. When I asked if they were any good for wildlife, the ladies mentioned that the plants were mostly poisonous ... except parts could be used if you wanted to grow your own hallucinogens. LOL!! and I swear they were like 80 years old! Oh, Madison)...
I finally got a subscription to Netflix. Mostly because there aren't many games I want to play at the moment (though I'm slowly getting some stuff done that I'd missed in my earlier Skyrim playthroughs). Last night I watched "Cabin in the Woods". Pretty good - I'm not a real horror movie fan, but I can see why people thought it was so interesting.
I really wish my job had me doing more fieldwork. I can't seem to get comfortable in front of my computer at all and I need to do mapping stuff this week. Kind of wish I had a set-up for a standing office, and might talk to the IT folk about that...
But mostly my days are spent getting more and more excited about seeing Depeche Mode in concert again ;D
I've covered the back porch of the apartment I'm renting in pots with tomatoes, basil, courgettes, bell peppers and blue-podded peas (which I got at a local seed swap. Said seed swap was also where this pair of old ladies offered me Datura seeds. I was like "Datura seeds.... where have I heard that name before.... Oh yeah, they're from Fallout:New Vegas. When I asked if they were any good for wildlife, the ladies mentioned that the plants were mostly poisonous ... except parts could be used if you wanted to grow your own hallucinogens. LOL!! and I swear they were like 80 years old! Oh, Madison)...
I finally got a subscription to Netflix. Mostly because there aren't many games I want to play at the moment (though I'm slowly getting some stuff done that I'd missed in my earlier Skyrim playthroughs). Last night I watched "Cabin in the Woods". Pretty good - I'm not a real horror movie fan, but I can see why people thought it was so interesting.
I really wish my job had me doing more fieldwork. I can't seem to get comfortable in front of my computer at all and I need to do mapping stuff this week. Kind of wish I had a set-up for a standing office, and might talk to the IT folk about that...
But mostly my days are spent getting more and more excited about seeing Depeche Mode in concert again ;D
(no subject)
May. 6th, 2013 10:28 pmI saw Iron Man 3 - finally after spending all weekend helping out and hanging out with my family. I thought Iron Man 3 was good - better than 2. Part of me was a bit like 'Oh, this is nice, but I wonder what Cap's doing' ;P Oh well, gotta wait a whole other year to find that out..
I can see how they might not do a whole other Iron Man film after this one (instead just using him as a 'support character' or in the Avengers?) especially if, as I've seen wild internet rumours claiming, they end up doing things like a Black Panther film (which I'm TOTALLY into because I think T'Challa kicks ass), and we know they're doing an Ant-Man film. Eventually there's gonna be just too many characters and Marvel runs the risk of over-stretching.
I'm glad this felt like a gadget-driven-industrial-agent-ish-exploits film. I like the idea of each of the main character driven films having a different 'feel' to them, and I hope Thor 2 and Cap 2 both stay true to the themes of their first films.
That said, I still have no freaking idea how Guardians of the Galaxy made it into Phase 2, or how they're gonna work that into the mix. *Han Solo shrug and eyebrow quirk here*
I can see how they might not do a whole other Iron Man film after this one (instead just using him as a 'support character' or in the Avengers?) especially if, as I've seen wild internet rumours claiming, they end up doing things like a Black Panther film (which I'm TOTALLY into because I think T'Challa kicks ass), and we know they're doing an Ant-Man film. Eventually there's gonna be just too many characters and Marvel runs the risk of over-stretching.
I'm glad this felt like a gadget-driven-industrial-agent-ish-exploits film. I like the idea of each of the main character driven films having a different 'feel' to them, and I hope Thor 2 and Cap 2 both stay true to the themes of their first films.
That said, I still have no freaking idea how Guardians of the Galaxy made it into Phase 2, or how they're gonna work that into the mix. *Han Solo shrug and eyebrow quirk here*
(no subject)
Apr. 27th, 2013 10:06 amThere are many things I enjoy in life.
Spending a lazy saturday with plenty of coffee, the SUN and those dear to me is hard to beat.
If someone could bottle the essence of contentment that exudes from a kitty dozing in the sunlight, that would make the world a better place :)
Spending a lazy saturday with plenty of coffee, the SUN and those dear to me is hard to beat.
If someone could bottle the essence of contentment that exudes from a kitty dozing in the sunlight, that would make the world a better place :)
Updating the thing
Apr. 17th, 2013 07:35 pmI started my new job at the beginning of April. I'm still not entirely sure what I'm supposed to be doing for most of the time, but I at least have a few ideas to roll with. I guess that's the down side of being the first person in a particular contract job - there's no specifics for you to take over for just day to day work. Right now, a lot of research and thinking.
I saw the new trailer for "Man of Steel" - and am still kind of 'meh' about it. I mean, I've never really liked Superman. or the idea of Superman. So there's that against it, but I'll probably see it if the reviews are good. MUCH MORE looking forward to Iron Man 3. AND Captain America 2 next year? OH yessss.. (It looks like Cap's wearing the 'Steve Rogers: Super Soldier' uniform, which I am neither for or against, because it's CAP and that's enough! :D
I've been replaying through the Half-Life games and now have all the achievements. :/ I guess I'll go through Portal now.... I'd kinda like to try Bioshock Infinite, but the wallet's a bit light at the moment, so it'll have to wait. Or find a game rental place nearby..
I am SO READY FOR SPRING. It's been freezing today and raining for about a week. I want sunlight!
I saw the new trailer for "Man of Steel" - and am still kind of 'meh' about it. I mean, I've never really liked Superman. or the idea of Superman. So there's that against it, but I'll probably see it if the reviews are good. MUCH MORE looking forward to Iron Man 3. AND Captain America 2 next year? OH yessss.. (It looks like Cap's wearing the 'Steve Rogers: Super Soldier' uniform, which I am neither for or against, because it's CAP and that's enough! :D
I've been replaying through the Half-Life games and now have all the achievements. :/ I guess I'll go through Portal now.... I'd kinda like to try Bioshock Infinite, but the wallet's a bit light at the moment, so it'll have to wait. Or find a game rental place nearby..
I am SO READY FOR SPRING. It's been freezing today and raining for about a week. I want sunlight!
Some initial thoughts on Delta Machine
Apr. 3rd, 2013 06:27 pmsooo, I have had a pretty busy week since getting Depeche Mode's new release - Delta Machine. I pre-ordered the deluxe version off Amazon (to get the concert ticket pre-sale code) and finally, since starting my new job Monday, have had a chance to listen while walking to and from work (40 min each way so can manage most of the cd without b-sides).
Initial thoughts are - who the heck has been so vocal about comparing this to Songs of Faith and Devotion?! I'm sure I read reviews about that, but really apart from a couple tracks (Goodbye and Slow) that have a bluesy guitar feature, there is really only traces of that in songs like Angel.
The CD is a lot more like Black Celebration or Ultra in my opinion. Maybe traces of Violator. And something totally itself. The synths are amazing as in - I really can't describe how freaking amazing sounding some of the synth pads and tones are. They just ARE. Maybe it's more a reflection of my current mood/situation, but it sounds very dark sci-fi/cyberpunk in areas and it's glorious.
Also, Dave's voice is soooo incredible. Like butter. He goes up into this brief falsetto in "Should be Higher" which is glorious. That whole song, in fact, is one of my favourites, with a complete pause that is so effective it always has me reaching for my MP3 player thinking the battery is dead, only to restart the rhythm.
Also, it probably has more songs about sex than any of their recent albums. Seriously.
So all in all - I am loving it. SYNTH AMAZING NESS. Favourite tracks at the moment are:
Should be Higher
Welcome to my World
Angel
Heaven
Alone
My Little Universe
Soothe my Soul.
The rest I don't have a good enough handle on or aren't immediately impressed. If you're not a DM fan, try some of these out on YouTube and see what you think!
Initial thoughts are - who the heck has been so vocal about comparing this to Songs of Faith and Devotion?! I'm sure I read reviews about that, but really apart from a couple tracks (Goodbye and Slow) that have a bluesy guitar feature, there is really only traces of that in songs like Angel.
The CD is a lot more like Black Celebration or Ultra in my opinion. Maybe traces of Violator. And something totally itself. The synths are amazing as in - I really can't describe how freaking amazing sounding some of the synth pads and tones are. They just ARE. Maybe it's more a reflection of my current mood/situation, but it sounds very dark sci-fi/cyberpunk in areas and it's glorious.
Also, Dave's voice is soooo incredible. Like butter. He goes up into this brief falsetto in "Should be Higher" which is glorious. That whole song, in fact, is one of my favourites, with a complete pause that is so effective it always has me reaching for my MP3 player thinking the battery is dead, only to restart the rhythm.
Also, it probably has more songs about sex than any of their recent albums. Seriously.
So all in all - I am loving it. SYNTH AMAZING NESS. Favourite tracks at the moment are:
Should be Higher
Welcome to my World
Angel
Heaven
Alone
My Little Universe
Soothe my Soul.
The rest I don't have a good enough handle on or aren't immediately impressed. If you're not a DM fan, try some of these out on YouTube and see what you think!
On the subject of haters...
Mar. 13th, 2013 05:16 pmI don't understand the mindset of people. I mean, here's the thing...
If a person does not like a thing, why do they feel the need to go out onto the internet and proclaim loudly and frequently that said thing is bad? And why, in particular, do they feel the need to make their statement in an area that a different person, perhaps one that *likes* said thing, might go to to find more information or share their viewpoints?
This isn't to say people can't have different opinions, and particularly, I don't mind so much if they can make some sort of fact-based argument for what they don't like. I guess review websites are okay, again provided people can say why they don't like said thing. I mean, I don't like certain things, and I have made comments to that effect from time to time. But what I don't think I do (certainly don't try to do, is go out and loudly and regularly proclaim something is shit on a forum dedicated to said thing. (this is why I tend to avoid the Bioware Social Network, for example)
Now, I'm mostly thinking this in relation to Depeche Mode, and their fans. Oh their fans. Some who claim nothing worthwhile has been done since SOFAD, others claiming since Photographic (I can't stop laughing at that). DM are coming out with a new album soon, and US TOUR DATES HAVE BEEN RELEASED ! (YAY) and they did a live set on Live On Letterman. And without fail every comment section, forum, etc has a bunch of haters saying DM is rubbish, some with reasons, most without.
I mean, I just don't get it. Fine, don't like them anymore - or ever in some cases. Do I go to thrash metal websites and slag off the various groups? Or modern "pop" groups/performers? NO . BECAUSE I KNOW I DON'T LIKE THAT MUSIC AND DON'T WANT TO BE AN ASS.
I wish there was a basic user requirement for the internet. I really do. And it would consist of "NO ASSHOLES/HATERS"
/end rant
If a person does not like a thing, why do they feel the need to go out onto the internet and proclaim loudly and frequently that said thing is bad? And why, in particular, do they feel the need to make their statement in an area that a different person, perhaps one that *likes* said thing, might go to to find more information or share their viewpoints?
This isn't to say people can't have different opinions, and particularly, I don't mind so much if they can make some sort of fact-based argument for what they don't like. I guess review websites are okay, again provided people can say why they don't like said thing. I mean, I don't like certain things, and I have made comments to that effect from time to time. But what I don't think I do (certainly don't try to do, is go out and loudly and regularly proclaim something is shit on a forum dedicated to said thing. (this is why I tend to avoid the Bioware Social Network, for example)
Now, I'm mostly thinking this in relation to Depeche Mode, and their fans. Oh their fans. Some who claim nothing worthwhile has been done since SOFAD, others claiming since Photographic (I can't stop laughing at that). DM are coming out with a new album soon, and US TOUR DATES HAVE BEEN RELEASED ! (YAY) and they did a live set on Live On Letterman. And without fail every comment section, forum, etc has a bunch of haters saying DM is rubbish, some with reasons, most without.
I mean, I just don't get it. Fine, don't like them anymore - or ever in some cases. Do I go to thrash metal websites and slag off the various groups? Or modern "pop" groups/performers? NO . BECAUSE I KNOW I DON'T LIKE THAT MUSIC AND DON'T WANT TO BE AN ASS.
I wish there was a basic user requirement for the internet. I really do. And it would consist of "NO ASSHOLES/HATERS"
/end rant
( Details of release date, track listing )
A few personal thoughts. There are plenty of people that hate on Flood, but let's face it, 'Violator' is one of the very best albums DM made, both commercially and musically. I doubt any DM fan could truly say that a track from that album is not in their top 5. Personally, I like the already released track "Angel of Love" despite and almost because of its peculiar time signature and rhythms .
That said, the last few albums have been very personal and thematic for songwriter Martin Gore, with 'Playing the Angel' being tracks written as his marriage was ending/going through divorce and 'Sounds of the Universe' being a kind of retro looking back at their music, and I think Gore looking forward.
Delta Machine? I have no idea. Personally, I just really really really hope it's not like 'Exciter'. One of the reasons DM is my favourite band is because they do keep changing things up and bringing in new synth sounds and effects, but the risk there is another album like 'Exciter' which I can listen to as an intellectual exercise, but really does not hold tracks that keep my interest. But with Flood mixing - maybe it'll be hearkening back to Violator and that's a good thing!!
So yup, gonna pre-order that! And also... CAN NOT WAIT for them to finally release the North American tour dates. Seems like ages since the Euro tour dates went up... I can't WAIT to see DM again in a crowd of other fans!
A few personal thoughts. There are plenty of people that hate on Flood, but let's face it, 'Violator' is one of the very best albums DM made, both commercially and musically. I doubt any DM fan could truly say that a track from that album is not in their top 5. Personally, I like the already released track "Angel of Love" despite and almost because of its peculiar time signature and rhythms .
That said, the last few albums have been very personal and thematic for songwriter Martin Gore, with 'Playing the Angel' being tracks written as his marriage was ending/going through divorce and 'Sounds of the Universe' being a kind of retro looking back at their music, and I think Gore looking forward.
Delta Machine? I have no idea. Personally, I just really really really hope it's not like 'Exciter'. One of the reasons DM is my favourite band is because they do keep changing things up and bringing in new synth sounds and effects, but the risk there is another album like 'Exciter' which I can listen to as an intellectual exercise, but really does not hold tracks that keep my interest. But with Flood mixing - maybe it'll be hearkening back to Violator and that's a good thing!!
So yup, gonna pre-order that! And also... CAN NOT WAIT for them to finally release the North American tour dates. Seems like ages since the Euro tour dates went up... I can't WAIT to see DM again in a crowd of other fans!
gaming meme
Jan. 3rd, 2013 11:09 amPilfered from
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif){kind=small}
tipo1: What is your favorite genre of game, and why?
Adventure RPG or Valve game. I like the interaction in western RPGs made by Bethesda or Bioware combined with action. And everything I've played made by Valve is just classy.
2: What were the last 5 games you bought?
Deus Ex:Human Revolution (re-buy since I need a US copy), Dishonored, Assassin's Creed 3 (well, asked for it for Xmess), Minecraft, Dragon Age: Origins (Re-buy)
3: Ever sold a game and later regretted it?
No, but I don't think I've sold many.
4: Your top 4 badass weapons
-Sniper rifles in Fallout3 or Fallout New Vegas. I heard they nerfed the ones in NV, which kind of makes sense as they were ridiculously overpowered. I did manage to crawl out on a rocky ledge overlooking that valley with all the Deathclaws and picked off every single one from that vantage point. I think I did much the same with all the Legion at Cottonwood Cove. So Badass.
-The Carnifex in Mass Effect 3. This pistol is pretty much all I need, although I am coming around to the Valiant SR as well.
- the Gravity Gun in HL2. I can't believe there are people that hate this thing. I mean, yeah - it's a bit gimmicky. You can't think TOO much about it, and Ravenholm still sucks, but there is something just that bit satisfying about defeating those ant lion guardians with a propelled washbasin, or a horde of headcrab zombies with rusty farm machinery launched at will.
-Batman. All of him. Total Badass (sorry to steal this one, tipo!)
5: Top 5 soundtracks
HL2:Orange Box soundtrack - The whole thing is pretty good but the best is Vortal Combat.
Deus Ex: HR soundtrack - love it, particularly some of the ambient stuff (Sarif Ambient is SOOO Blade Runner!!)
Myst 3 - I have the soundtrack to this and Riven, very good stuff, fav is probably Amateria
Skyrim - Far Horizons is one of the best tracks to have, and the game just seems to knowwhen to play it to make the game so atmospheric.
Mass Effect 2 - the Long Walk, and there's some amazing stuff in all the other games as well!
6: What was the first game you remember playing?
I loved This old Archaeology game and for the longest time couldn't remember what it was called. Apparently it's "Super Solvers - Challenge of the Ancient Empires" EDUCATIONAL AND FUN!
7: What game have you spent the most time in?
I would guess Fallout 3 - two complete playthroughs with most sidequests done, plus one where I just wandered about looking at stuff. Or maybe Skyrim... but I've only done one playthrough there.
8: If you could live in any game world with any character, where and who would you choose?
Hmm, as much as I love the rogue physicist of Gordon Freeman (my character of choice) I'm not sure I'd want to be hanging out in post-combine Earth. IF I was as capable as I am in game, there is something about the whole 'rebuilding from the ruins' thing I like about Fallout, but then there's all the radscorpions, and general radiation. Hmm.. The Citadel in Mass Effect seems like a pretty hip place... until it gets all attacked by the reapers and such... I'm noticing a trend here..
9: Honest opinion of the Nintendo Wii
Tried it twice, not really my thing.
10: What are your favorite indie games?
I'm not sure what games are indie games.. just tried Minecraft and it's pretty good, Outland is another?
11: Multiplayer or singleplayer?
Singleplayer for the most part. I enjoy ME3MP, and occasionally enjoy L4D, but I recently ragequit that after playing with my brother-in-law. NEVER HAVE HIM WITH YOU IN ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE. dude canNOT stick to a plan ;P
12: Have you ever enjoyed a movie tie-in game?
Usually disappointing, but I found Captain America to be an exception. A lot like the Batman games in playstyle, they got Chris Evans to voice Cap, and it's an enjoyable enough escapade.
13: Which controller is your absolute favorite?
Xbox 360. I can no longer keyboard and mouse, though it would probably come back to me.
14: What are 3 games absolutely everyone should play?
1. Half Life 2 and the 2 episodes, then write tear-stained letters to Valve begging for the next game. Maybe if EVERYONE does this, we'll get it.
2. Fallout 3
3. Red Dead Redemption
15: Are modern games better than older games?
Overall, yes. I don't have a lot of time for people that are all "Baldur's gate is the last good game that Bioware did" Or similar arguments for Bethesda games, etc etc... I do like some older games, and they have a lot of good elements, but I love to see designers try new things and I think people that cling to some of these old games don't do us or the industry a lot of favours.
An example-- LA Noire. Okay, so it wasn't as good as I was hoping, but it tried something new with the facial mo-cap and overall storytelling, and I really enjoyed that. If studios don't try new things, it'll probably stagnate into endless FIFAs and CoDs.
16: Do you like random encounters in RPGs?
Depends on my mood at the time and how much time I had allocated to play. Overall, I appreciate them for changing things up.
17: Has a game ever made you cry?
Yup. I am a big weepy mess far too often. Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, I am looking RIGHT AT YOU TWO. Pretty gross sobbing at the end of Red Dead Redemption. And ME3-- I don't know what all my feels were.
18: What are you currently playing?
Working my way through AC3, but I hate having to kill animals in games so that is less cool than AC2 in the Mediterranean. Also, I finally tried Minecraft and OH GOD MY OCD TENDENCIES ARE RUNNING WILD...
19: Are there any games you love that no one else seems to?
LA Noire
20: Are there any games you hate that everyone else loves?
Hate is a strong word, but I really didn't get into Borderlands 2. Don't much care for all the midget jokes and general grinding of the game.
21: You are at an arcade, which machine do you go to first?
ehh... not sure, been so long, and I'm not keen on most. Galaga or another old one if they have it!
22: Has a game ever changed your life?
The original Half-Life. If it hadn't been for that (and Final Fantasy 10) I wouldn't have picked up games again after a really, really long hiatus and I would probably have spent my disposable income over the last 10 years on... IDK? Also, my wardrobe and mug selection would be very different.
Games like Mass effect have really changed the way I view media. Why the hell would I sit and watch stupid television shows when I can interact with a story? Not to say all television or movies are bad, I just find that the people that think gaming is 'immature' but watch things like the X Factor have no idea.
Before the storm
Dec. 19th, 2012 05:16 pmWell, If I do not wake up to about a foot of snow tomorrow and howling winds I will be a bit disappointed in all this hype about the supposed mega-blizzard due to hit WI. All schools are closed, and an interview I was supposed to have has been postponed/to-be-rescheduled. My sister (a high school teacher) was saying she wasn't sure who was more excited to get a snow day; her students, who reminded her that they didn't have any snow days last year, or all the teachers.
It doesn't really matter to me. I have been taking my Grandma to the outpatient clinic every morning for an injection, but I've got some spare doses I can administer at home. I did grocery shopping yesterday, and I have a new copy of Assassin's Creed 3 for my birthday. So as long as I have power for the Xbox, I'm like "BRING IT, weather!!!" but should we lose power.... something, something, something...
;D
It doesn't really matter to me. I have been taking my Grandma to the outpatient clinic every morning for an injection, but I've got some spare doses I can administer at home. I did grocery shopping yesterday, and I have a new copy of Assassin's Creed 3 for my birthday. So as long as I have power for the Xbox, I'm like "BRING IT, weather!!!" but should we lose power.... something, something, something...
;D
So I finally got around to watching Justice League: Doom and can I just say, Batman. Batman as voiced by Kevin Conroy continues to be the best, baddest-assest badass of all of everything.
SPOILER ALERT ahead. ( Because he's Batman )
And so then we move to Mass Effect.
And some thoughts on upcoming DLC and yes, ( Female Turians )
It is awesome that the ME Secret Santa gift exchange is going ahead this year (I did fear that the comm would die off but this seems to not be the case at all!) :D I will probably, as I have before, make a mug. but I'm tempted to try to give a shirt. I just don't know how to go about asking the giftee their size, and wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable if I did... hmm... Will probably wait to decide once I get my giftee.
Speaking of shirts, I had a totally amazing geek shirt idea in mind, only to realise that someone else kinda beat me to it!. Stark Industries logo from Captain America. I might still do it, with a slightly tweaked design. I mean, I HAVE the red shirt and gold paint, so really, I should.
Also, I need to try to buy a lego Millenium Falcon for someone's Christmas present. Because I promised.
Geek out.
SPOILER ALERT ahead. ( Because he's Batman )
And so then we move to Mass Effect.
And some thoughts on upcoming DLC and yes, ( Female Turians )
It is awesome that the ME Secret Santa gift exchange is going ahead this year (I did fear that the comm would die off but this seems to not be the case at all!) :D I will probably, as I have before, make a mug. but I'm tempted to try to give a shirt. I just don't know how to go about asking the giftee their size, and wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable if I did... hmm... Will probably wait to decide once I get my giftee.
Speaking of shirts, I had a totally amazing geek shirt idea in mind, only to realise that someone else kinda beat me to it!. Stark Industries logo from Captain America. I might still do it, with a slightly tweaked design. I mean, I HAVE the red shirt and gold paint, so really, I should.
Also, I need to try to buy a lego Millenium Falcon for someone's Christmas present. Because I promised.
Geek out.
Bleeegh, had to happen sometime, I guess. I've caught a bad respiratory infection which scuppered the weekend's plans entirely and resulted in far too much time playing ME3MP and Skyrim.
Seriously. FREAKING SINUSES WHAT THE HELL I DO NOT EVEN!!!!!
So my family is all "you're not going to work tomorrow are you" and I'm like "I took 3 days off last week, so no work means no pay." Maybe I can convince the maintenance foreman to let me stay at the plant yard and just cut hostas back all day. because standing for 6 hours with a backpack leaf blower clearing lawns (like Friday) is a big pile of do not want right now.
Oxygen deprivation, you do funny funny things.
Seriously. FREAKING SINUSES WHAT THE HELL I DO NOT EVEN!!!!!
So my family is all "you're not going to work tomorrow are you" and I'm like "I took 3 days off last week, so no work means no pay." Maybe I can convince the maintenance foreman to let me stay at the plant yard and just cut hostas back all day. because standing for 6 hours with a backpack leaf blower clearing lawns (like Friday) is a big pile of do not want right now.
Oxygen deprivation, you do funny funny things.
Crunch time!!!
Oct. 25th, 2012 05:50 pmAHH WHY do you DO this to me Depeche Mode!?!?
So DM announced all the European dates, and part of me is like "THE CONCERT IN GERMANY WAS FAAAAABULOUS I MUST GO AGAAAAIIIIN!" and part of me is like "Hey, you don't have a permanent job and have no idea what you're doing next summer. be responsible"
and then a part of me is like - "With the money you would spend on a plane ticket you could see MULTIPLE SHOWS STATESIDE - how is this even a QUESTION!?" But I could try for the London tix and see friends in the UK as well!?
Tomorrow the Euro non-presale tickets go on sale so MUST DECIDE!?
Also, interesting fact. Tour tickets are going on sale BEFORE the album name has even been RELEASED. Which is.. to put it mildly, a bit cheeky. But I still love them.
So DM announced all the European dates, and part of me is like "THE CONCERT IN GERMANY WAS FAAAAABULOUS I MUST GO AGAAAAIIIIN!" and part of me is like "Hey, you don't have a permanent job and have no idea what you're doing next summer. be responsible"
and then a part of me is like - "With the money you would spend on a plane ticket you could see MULTIPLE SHOWS STATESIDE - how is this even a QUESTION!?" But I could try for the London tix and see friends in the UK as well!?
Tomorrow the Euro non-presale tickets go on sale so MUST DECIDE!?
Also, interesting fact. Tour tickets are going on sale BEFORE the album name has even been RELEASED. Which is.. to put it mildly, a bit cheeky. But I still love them.
Everything counts in large amounts!
Oct. 23rd, 2012 05:29 pmDEPECHE MODE ANNOUNCE DATES FOR 2013 TOUR!!! :D
Okay - so at the moment they've only announced European dates, but that's a start, and I'm pretty sure North American dates will be soon. One question, do I go see them in Europe and combine with a trip to see friends? Can I swing that financially... or do I just road trip and see multiple times in N.A.?? DECISIONS!
Also, the Iron Man 3 trailer came out today and looks pretty spiffy (insomuch as you can tell from a trailer, right?) but it has the Mandarin! And though I'm a Cap girl at heart, I do love Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark so here's hoping!!
In less pleasant news, my bro-in-law just found out he's getting laid off in six months :( I feel pretty bad for him and my sister and nephew, so I just hope something works out for them...
Gah! Mood swinging wildly due to awesome-interest news and bad-family news.
Okay - so at the moment they've only announced European dates, but that's a start, and I'm pretty sure North American dates will be soon. One question, do I go see them in Europe and combine with a trip to see friends? Can I swing that financially... or do I just road trip and see multiple times in N.A.?? DECISIONS!
Also, the Iron Man 3 trailer came out today and looks pretty spiffy (insomuch as you can tell from a trailer, right?) but it has the Mandarin! And though I'm a Cap girl at heart, I do love Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark so here's hoping!!
In less pleasant news, my bro-in-law just found out he's getting laid off in six months :( I feel pretty bad for him and my sister and nephew, so I just hope something works out for them...
Gah! Mood swinging wildly due to awesome-interest news and bad-family news.
