I'm sure Josh will write a thoughtful, serious post about this, but I felt the need to add some more levity to the conversation revolving around Marvel being acquired by Disney this morning.
What are the implications? Several potential movie crossovers come to mind. (I can't take credit for all of these - some are from @Ameria and @BlackDogNate.
The Avengers Down Under
The Little Morlock
Beauty and Beast
The Retcon Before Christmas
Sue Storm and the Seven Dwarfs
Uatutouille (The movie that watches you.)
Wind in the Whizzer
Finding Namor
Honey, I Shrunk the Skrulls
Avalanche in Wonderland
That Darn Cloak!
Bedlam and Brooksticks
Puck’s Dragon
The Fox and the Hulk
The Enchantress’ New Groove
Got ideas of your own? Add 'em to the comments!
8.31.2009
8.30.2009
Universal ratings? Yes, please
When is an E not an E? When it's a G. Or a Y. Are you confused yet?
Ratings systems for video games, movies and television programs are confusing in that there's no uniformity. A video game that's rated E for "everyone" would probably be labeled G for "general audiences" were it a movie, but perhaps as low as Y for "all children" were it a television program. Of course, a television program that's rated Y is more likely to be rated EC as a video game, since that's the designation for "early childhood" games. And I suppose technically a video game rated E could, in theory, as a movie get bumped up to the PG for "parental guidance suggested" rating. Why? Well, that's because an E game is allowed to have "mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language." That sounds more like a PG movie than a G movie, doesn't it? But if that movie were a television program, there's no way it could get the Y rating. It wouldn't even have a shot at the Y7 for "directed to older children" rating because of the "mild language" content. It'd almost certainly score a PG.
And — oh! — see what happened there? Because the PG rating was repeated, you instantly had a better idea of the product's content. It's funny how a little uniformity can go a long way.
That each product line has its own rating system is downright silly and overly complicates a situation that should really be rather simple. Video games have six standard ratings (EC, E, E10+, T, M and AO). Television programs have seven standard ratings (Y, Y7, Y7FV, G, PG, 14 and MA). Movies have five standard ratings (G, PG, PG-13, R and NC-17). Which of these make the most sense? Movie ratings. Which of these are most familiar to us? Movie ratings. Which of these would be the best basis for a universal rating system? Movie ratings. To be clear, I'm not saying the Motion Picture Association of America is perfect. Far from it. But their system is, in my opinion, far better than anything the TV or video game overseers have yet devised.
I opine about this because the feds are currently mulling the notion of creating a standardized (and compulsory) rating system — and I love the idea. The Entertainment Software Rating Board, which oversees video game ratings, is already crying foul at the notion: "Universal ratings will, in the end, only serve to confuse consumers, violate the Constitution's first amendment, and are a solution in search of a problem."
Poppycock. Universal ratings are needed to alleviate the confusion and solve a clear and present problem. I wholeheartedly support the notion. Should we force everyone to adopt the MPAA rating system? No. Should we critically evaluate each rating system, borrow what works best and work toward a standardized system? Yes.
Stop the confusion. Please.
Ratings systems for video games, movies and television programs are confusing in that there's no uniformity. A video game that's rated E for "everyone" would probably be labeled G for "general audiences" were it a movie, but perhaps as low as Y for "all children" were it a television program. Of course, a television program that's rated Y is more likely to be rated EC as a video game, since that's the designation for "early childhood" games. And I suppose technically a video game rated E could, in theory, as a movie get bumped up to the PG for "parental guidance suggested" rating. Why? Well, that's because an E game is allowed to have "mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language." That sounds more like a PG movie than a G movie, doesn't it? But if that movie were a television program, there's no way it could get the Y rating. It wouldn't even have a shot at the Y7 for "directed to older children" rating because of the "mild language" content. It'd almost certainly score a PG.And — oh! — see what happened there? Because the PG rating was repeated, you instantly had a better idea of the product's content. It's funny how a little uniformity can go a long way.
That each product line has its own rating system is downright silly and overly complicates a situation that should really be rather simple. Video games have six standard ratings (EC, E, E10+, T, M and AO). Television programs have seven standard ratings (Y, Y7, Y7FV, G, PG, 14 and MA). Movies have five standard ratings (G, PG, PG-13, R and NC-17). Which of these make the most sense? Movie ratings. Which of these are most familiar to us? Movie ratings. Which of these would be the best basis for a universal rating system? Movie ratings. To be clear, I'm not saying the Motion Picture Association of America is perfect. Far from it. But their system is, in my opinion, far better than anything the TV or video game overseers have yet devised.
I opine about this because the feds are currently mulling the notion of creating a standardized (and compulsory) rating system — and I love the idea. The Entertainment Software Rating Board, which oversees video game ratings, is already crying foul at the notion: "Universal ratings will, in the end, only serve to confuse consumers, violate the Constitution's first amendment, and are a solution in search of a problem."
Poppycock. Universal ratings are needed to alleviate the confusion and solve a clear and present problem. I wholeheartedly support the notion. Should we force everyone to adopt the MPAA rating system? No. Should we critically evaluate each rating system, borrow what works best and work toward a standardized system? Yes.
Stop the confusion. Please.
8.29.2009
Batman is statistically 126% awesome
I know that critics love "Batman: Arkham Asylum," but I was surprised to see its average ranking yesterday at GameRankings.com.
The game boasted an average score of 126.54 percent, which is exactly 26.54 percent greater than is statistically possible. The hiccup temporarily made "Arkham Asylum" the best game ever tracked at GameRankings, besting the mediocre "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," "Grand Theft Auto IV" and "Super Mario Galaxy," which scored a comparatively measly 97 percent. Losers.
Of course, the inflated "Arkham Asylum" score was an error. A little investigation showed the number rose after the game's XboxAddict review score of 93 percent was entered Thursday as 930 percent. Now don't get me wrong. Batman is possibly the greatest of all comic book heroes and "Arkham Asylum" looks like a great game. But 930 percent? There's no way this game is better than 860 percent.
The game boasted an average score of 126.54 percent, which is exactly 26.54 percent greater than is statistically possible. The hiccup temporarily made "Arkham Asylum" the best game ever tracked at GameRankings, besting the mediocre "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," "Grand Theft Auto IV" and "Super Mario Galaxy," which scored a comparatively measly 97 percent. Losers.
Of course, the inflated "Arkham Asylum" score was an error. A little investigation showed the number rose after the game's XboxAddict review score of 93 percent was entered Thursday as 930 percent. Now don't get me wrong. Batman is possibly the greatest of all comic book heroes and "Arkham Asylum" looks like a great game. But 930 percent? There's no way this game is better than 860 percent.
8.27.2009
Free for the taking
If you're a fan of "Battlestar Galactica," "House" or "30 Rock," then today's post is perfect for you.
I recently made a purchase at Amazon.com and was granted a $5 credit at their Video on Demand store. I have no immediate need for the credit, so I though I'd pass it along to one of Think Lynsen's readers. The catch? The credit is valid only for select NBC shows.
If you'd like to go shopping, post in the comments your e-mail address and what shows catch your eye. To the author of the first shopping list I deem worthy goes the credit. Ready? Go!
I recently made a purchase at Amazon.com and was granted a $5 credit at their Video on Demand store. I have no immediate need for the credit, so I though I'd pass it along to one of Think Lynsen's readers. The catch? The credit is valid only for select NBC shows.If you'd like to go shopping, post in the comments your e-mail address and what shows catch your eye. To the author of the first shopping list I deem worthy goes the credit. Ready? Go!
8.26.2009
The night I heard Ted Kennedy speak
As part of my trip to last year's Democratic National Convention, I heard Sen. Ted Kennedy speak. I was actually on the convention floor when he took the stage and I think my ears are still ringing from the crowd's welcoming roar.
Reprinted below in light of Kennedy's death is the work blog I wrote recounting the evening. (A quick aside: It ran under the headline, "On the bus with a reporter in Denver," contrary to my suggested, "There and back again," a title that any J.R.R. Tolkien fan would appreciate.) The blog has since been inexplicably deleted from the Blade's web site, but it remains available elsewhere.
I had no idea what to expect Monday during my first trip to the Democratic National Convention’s main hall in Denver, the Pepsi Center. But armed with my trusty digital recorder, I decided to document the evening.
4:59 p.m. I am just about to leave my hotel room to make my way to the Pepsi Center. I just heard from my coworker that it took him two and a half hours to get there from the Colorado Convention Center and into the building. I’m not particularly hopeful for how quickly I’ll be able to get in, or even if I’ll be able to see Michelle Obama speak tonight, but I’m going to try.
5:16 p.m. I have just boarded the bus that will take me from my hotel to the Pepsi Center. While I was waiting for it to arrive, I had a fun conversation with a convention volunteer originally from Michigan. We debated what to call people from Michigan. She says the appropriate term is Michaganers, but I prefer Michiganites.
5:30 p.m. We are just pulling out of the parking lot of the hotel. I’m not sure why we had to wait there for 15 minutes when time seems to be of the essence this evening, but onward and forward.
5:52 p.m. We have exited the highway. We are now in a holding pattern behind a row of at least, one, two, three, four, five, six buses, but it goes around a bend and I can’t count the full number. I have no idea how long I’m going to be here waiting for things to progress. This could be interesting.
5:55 p.m. We are moving again. I think. We’re starting to go around the bend. And now we’re stopped again. Baby steps, I guess.
5:57 p.m. We’re moving again. I’m not sure what the holdup is yet for buses. It looks like they might be letting a few through at a time to empty and then they’re keeping the rest in a holding pattern. It’s start-and-stop service right now.
6:00 p.m. We have just crossed over into the Pepsi Center — field? Parking lot? I’m not sure what exactly this is, but the officer at the front of the bus just said, “Welcome to the Pepsi Center.” Off to our left is Invesco Field. The Pepsi Center is a few blocks to our right.
6:04 p.m. We have arrived.
6:07 p.m. I just breezed through security. There was no one in line. All I had to do was take off my backpack and empty out my pockets. It was surprisingly simple.
6:15 p.m. I just ran into three professional acquaintances and will be hanging with them for a while. And we have just entered the Pepsi Center.
6:19 p.m. We just got into the convention hall proper. Nancy Pelosi is on stage talking about how we need a president that believes health care is a right, not a privilege. We have a bad view, though, and we’re going to try to find some better seats.
6:32 p.m. I just bought a roast beef sandwich and a bottle of water for $8.25. All things considered, that’s really not bad.
6:41 p.m. We just ate dinner with a man from Montana who’s a rancher and a vice president of a community college. We talked about same-sex marriage with him, which he fully supports because, as he says, “People are people.” We’re now trying to work our way into the hall, but space is quickly running out.
6:44 p.m. We have finally found four seats together. We are at the extreme left of the stage, high up in what is accurately described at the nosebleed section. We truly could not be seated any higher. But we’re here.
7:05 p.m. We’ve been sitting here a while now and not a lot has happened, honestly. I didn’t recognize the speaker who was on stage when we entered. He was followed by some kind of annoying, protracted musical interlude. Then we had a video presentation for something I couldn’t make out because the acoustics were so bad. Something to do with building homes for disabled veterans? I’m not sure. And now we have two people on stage that I don’t recognize by face or name. So what I had thought would be a star-studded event is slightly less than expected.
7:09 p.m. If it comes to pass, the worst kept secret of the evening will be that Sen. Ted Kennedy is making a surprise appearance. I’ve heard the rumor twice now.
7:15 p.m. Caroline Kennedy just took the stage. Interestingly, as she did so, a sea of Kennedy signs materialized from delegates on the floor. I don’t think they would print all those signs up just for Caroline, but maybe I’m just overly suspicious. We’ll see.
7:20 p.m. I cannot disclose how, but I have acquired a floor pass that is mine for the remainder of the evening. I’m going to the floor.
7:31 p.m. Ted Kennedy has just taken the stage and I’m on the floor to listen.
7:35 p.m. Ted Kennedy just said that Obama has the potential to stop the rivalries that exist between certain groups. Among the groups he cited were straights and gays.
7:50 p.m. I have just returned to the walkway from a rather dangerous situation. I had tried to move past the center of the stage, in front of the camera area, and found, for lack of a better term, absolute gridlock. I’m not a claustrophobic person, but with so many people pushing so hard and getting nowhere, it made me uneasy. Tempers were flaring, people were yelling at each other, and the few convention staffers who were there did nothing to help the situation. And I fear it’s only going to get worse as the night and week goes on. I hope they can straighten that out before something bad happens. I am approaching what should be the Maryland delegation area and will look for a familiar face.
8:26 p.m. I just called my boss to brag that I scored a seven-minute interview with Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley. Good thing I brought my recorder. I’m now just biding my time as I wait for Michelle Obama to take the stage, which should be momentarily.
8:29 p.m. I am standing next to the Minnesota delegation, an indulgence I couldn’t resist as that’s my home state. Michelle Obama is set to take the stage momentarily. Oh, and look. There’s Anderson Cooper.
8:51 p.m. I am cutting out early on Michelle’s speech in the hopes that I can actually make some decent time back to my hotel instead of getting caught in a sea of people and not getting back until 3 a.m. We’ll see if this strategy pays off.
8:59 p.m. I have boarded the bus that will take me back to my hotel. It’s sparsely populated at the moment. I think a lot of people actually want to hear the end of Michelle’s speech. Go figure. But hopefully we’ll be back by 10 p.m.
9:19 p.m. The bus is rolling. I am on my way back to the hotel. This will be my last check in before I return to my hotel room, which, again, I’m hoping can still occur before 10 p.m. because I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me.
9:47 p.m. I am back in my hotel room. It’s been a great night and I’m glad I made the trip. Now I just need to crank out some copy before I collapse.
Reprinted below in light of Kennedy's death is the work blog I wrote recounting the evening. (A quick aside: It ran under the headline, "On the bus with a reporter in Denver," contrary to my suggested, "There and back again," a title that any J.R.R. Tolkien fan would appreciate.) The blog has since been inexplicably deleted from the Blade's web site, but it remains available elsewhere.I had no idea what to expect Monday during my first trip to the Democratic National Convention’s main hall in Denver, the Pepsi Center. But armed with my trusty digital recorder, I decided to document the evening.
4:59 p.m. I am just about to leave my hotel room to make my way to the Pepsi Center. I just heard from my coworker that it took him two and a half hours to get there from the Colorado Convention Center and into the building. I’m not particularly hopeful for how quickly I’ll be able to get in, or even if I’ll be able to see Michelle Obama speak tonight, but I’m going to try.
5:16 p.m. I have just boarded the bus that will take me from my hotel to the Pepsi Center. While I was waiting for it to arrive, I had a fun conversation with a convention volunteer originally from Michigan. We debated what to call people from Michigan. She says the appropriate term is Michaganers, but I prefer Michiganites.
5:30 p.m. We are just pulling out of the parking lot of the hotel. I’m not sure why we had to wait there for 15 minutes when time seems to be of the essence this evening, but onward and forward.
5:52 p.m. We have exited the highway. We are now in a holding pattern behind a row of at least, one, two, three, four, five, six buses, but it goes around a bend and I can’t count the full number. I have no idea how long I’m going to be here waiting for things to progress. This could be interesting.
5:55 p.m. We are moving again. I think. We’re starting to go around the bend. And now we’re stopped again. Baby steps, I guess.
5:57 p.m. We’re moving again. I’m not sure what the holdup is yet for buses. It looks like they might be letting a few through at a time to empty and then they’re keeping the rest in a holding pattern. It’s start-and-stop service right now.
6:00 p.m. We have just crossed over into the Pepsi Center — field? Parking lot? I’m not sure what exactly this is, but the officer at the front of the bus just said, “Welcome to the Pepsi Center.” Off to our left is Invesco Field. The Pepsi Center is a few blocks to our right.
6:04 p.m. We have arrived.
6:07 p.m. I just breezed through security. There was no one in line. All I had to do was take off my backpack and empty out my pockets. It was surprisingly simple.
6:15 p.m. I just ran into three professional acquaintances and will be hanging with them for a while. And we have just entered the Pepsi Center.
6:19 p.m. We just got into the convention hall proper. Nancy Pelosi is on stage talking about how we need a president that believes health care is a right, not a privilege. We have a bad view, though, and we’re going to try to find some better seats.
6:32 p.m. I just bought a roast beef sandwich and a bottle of water for $8.25. All things considered, that’s really not bad.
6:41 p.m. We just ate dinner with a man from Montana who’s a rancher and a vice president of a community college. We talked about same-sex marriage with him, which he fully supports because, as he says, “People are people.” We’re now trying to work our way into the hall, but space is quickly running out.
6:44 p.m. We have finally found four seats together. We are at the extreme left of the stage, high up in what is accurately described at the nosebleed section. We truly could not be seated any higher. But we’re here.
7:05 p.m. We’ve been sitting here a while now and not a lot has happened, honestly. I didn’t recognize the speaker who was on stage when we entered. He was followed by some kind of annoying, protracted musical interlude. Then we had a video presentation for something I couldn’t make out because the acoustics were so bad. Something to do with building homes for disabled veterans? I’m not sure. And now we have two people on stage that I don’t recognize by face or name. So what I had thought would be a star-studded event is slightly less than expected.
7:09 p.m. If it comes to pass, the worst kept secret of the evening will be that Sen. Ted Kennedy is making a surprise appearance. I’ve heard the rumor twice now.
7:15 p.m. Caroline Kennedy just took the stage. Interestingly, as she did so, a sea of Kennedy signs materialized from delegates on the floor. I don’t think they would print all those signs up just for Caroline, but maybe I’m just overly suspicious. We’ll see.
7:20 p.m. I cannot disclose how, but I have acquired a floor pass that is mine for the remainder of the evening. I’m going to the floor.
7:31 p.m. Ted Kennedy has just taken the stage and I’m on the floor to listen.
7:35 p.m. Ted Kennedy just said that Obama has the potential to stop the rivalries that exist between certain groups. Among the groups he cited were straights and gays.
7:50 p.m. I have just returned to the walkway from a rather dangerous situation. I had tried to move past the center of the stage, in front of the camera area, and found, for lack of a better term, absolute gridlock. I’m not a claustrophobic person, but with so many people pushing so hard and getting nowhere, it made me uneasy. Tempers were flaring, people were yelling at each other, and the few convention staffers who were there did nothing to help the situation. And I fear it’s only going to get worse as the night and week goes on. I hope they can straighten that out before something bad happens. I am approaching what should be the Maryland delegation area and will look for a familiar face.
8:26 p.m. I just called my boss to brag that I scored a seven-minute interview with Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley. Good thing I brought my recorder. I’m now just biding my time as I wait for Michelle Obama to take the stage, which should be momentarily.
8:29 p.m. I am standing next to the Minnesota delegation, an indulgence I couldn’t resist as that’s my home state. Michelle Obama is set to take the stage momentarily. Oh, and look. There’s Anderson Cooper.
8:51 p.m. I am cutting out early on Michelle’s speech in the hopes that I can actually make some decent time back to my hotel instead of getting caught in a sea of people and not getting back until 3 a.m. We’ll see if this strategy pays off.
8:59 p.m. I have boarded the bus that will take me back to my hotel. It’s sparsely populated at the moment. I think a lot of people actually want to hear the end of Michelle’s speech. Go figure. But hopefully we’ll be back by 10 p.m.
9:19 p.m. The bus is rolling. I am on my way back to the hotel. This will be my last check in before I return to my hotel room, which, again, I’m hoping can still occur before 10 p.m. because I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me.
9:47 p.m. I am back in my hotel room. It’s been a great night and I’m glad I made the trip. Now I just need to crank out some copy before I collapse.
Let's not call it "G.I. Joe 2: Electric Boogaloo"
So it seems we're getting a sequel to "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra." If that's the case, then I humbly offer some suggestions.
• Milk the established premise as much as possible. Without spoiling any details, I really liked the setup and believe there's a lot of potential in the first movie's ending.
• Bring to an end in this movie the story of the Baroness. She's been established as too powerful a character, tipping the scales for whichever side she joins. See her tale through to some logical conclusion — have her perish aiding Duke or making some crucial contribution to the Joe team — and then move forward.
• Reinforce the Cobra side of the equation. Their loss of the Baroness is quite a blow, but there are plenty of Cobra agents waiting in the wings. The addition of characters such as Firefly, Major Bludd or Scrap Iron would really help balance the equation.
• Keep the Cobra forces united for now. In the old "G.I. Joe" comics, the movie's acknowledged source material, Cobra Commander, Destro and others were at each other's throats. That might make an interesting theme to explore in the movie's third chapter, but it would be premature at this stage.
• Now that we know our core Joe roster, don't be afraid to give us some cameos. One scene each with Wild Bill, Shipwreck or Doc would go a long way to pleasing vocal fanboys like myself.
• Keep dead (and presumably dead) characters dead. Time's too short for any resurrection stories, which are implausible, anyway. Also, hold to the backstories as they've been established in the movie. Don't have Scarlett suddenly lose interest in Rip Cord and run to Snake Eyes simply so you better follow the comic's established romance. Own your universe.
• Finally, choose an ending early and stick with it. The worst thing about "The Rise of Cobra" wasn't Cobra Commander's bungled mask or General Hawk's bland performance — it was the mangled and indecisive ending. Is the world saved? Or does trouble loom? Did the real threat get imprisoned? Or did he get away? I know the answer, but it could have been more succinctly stated.
Those are my pointers. What are yours?
• Milk the established premise as much as possible. Without spoiling any details, I really liked the setup and believe there's a lot of potential in the first movie's ending.• Bring to an end in this movie the story of the Baroness. She's been established as too powerful a character, tipping the scales for whichever side she joins. See her tale through to some logical conclusion — have her perish aiding Duke or making some crucial contribution to the Joe team — and then move forward.
• Reinforce the Cobra side of the equation. Their loss of the Baroness is quite a blow, but there are plenty of Cobra agents waiting in the wings. The addition of characters such as Firefly, Major Bludd or Scrap Iron would really help balance the equation.
• Keep the Cobra forces united for now. In the old "G.I. Joe" comics, the movie's acknowledged source material, Cobra Commander, Destro and others were at each other's throats. That might make an interesting theme to explore in the movie's third chapter, but it would be premature at this stage.
• Now that we know our core Joe roster, don't be afraid to give us some cameos. One scene each with Wild Bill, Shipwreck or Doc would go a long way to pleasing vocal fanboys like myself.
• Keep dead (and presumably dead) characters dead. Time's too short for any resurrection stories, which are implausible, anyway. Also, hold to the backstories as they've been established in the movie. Don't have Scarlett suddenly lose interest in Rip Cord and run to Snake Eyes simply so you better follow the comic's established romance. Own your universe.
• Finally, choose an ending early and stick with it. The worst thing about "The Rise of Cobra" wasn't Cobra Commander's bungled mask or General Hawk's bland performance — it was the mangled and indecisive ending. Is the world saved? Or does trouble loom? Did the real threat get imprisoned? Or did he get away? I know the answer, but it could have been more succinctly stated.
Those are my pointers. What are yours?
8.25.2009
I'm primed for "Prime," but should I buy it?
Today sees the release of "Metroid Prime Trilogy," a collection of first-person adventure games for the Nintendo Wii. I'm kinda jazzed about the collection, but I'm not sure whether I should buy it.
Starring the incomparable Samus Aran, Nintendo's finest female hero and one of the company's more complex characters, the "Metroid Prime" games are among the few first-person perspective games in which I've ever shown interest. The "Metroid Prime" games intrigue me because they're less about running and gunning and more about exploring and adventuring. I owned the first game in the series back in my Nintendo GameCube days, but never ventured too far into it for a variety of reasons. What held me back? Mainly, I flubbed my own game by using a cheat device that locked me into an area I couldn't escape. Also, the GameCube controller didn't work well for me. Plus, I bought the game at a time when I was buying new games on an almost weekly basis. What didn't immediately grab me got quickly tossed aside.
So here we are, seven years later, me wondering whether I should again take the "Metroid Prime" plunge. It's interesting that I'm even considering the question, because for the longest time I was against playing Wii games that required both the remote and the nunchuk. I changed my mind on that matter for "Lego Star Wars," though, and found with it and "Ghostbusters" that such control setups can enhance rather than detract from the gameplay experience. And that could make all the difference on "Metroid Prime Trilogy." Well, that and I have no Wii cheat device and I'm no longer buying video games on a weekly basis.
What do you think? Should I give the series another go? Or should I stick to "Super Smash Bros. Brawl" when I want to play as Samus Aran?
Starring the incomparable Samus Aran, Nintendo's finest female hero and one of the company's more complex characters, the "Metroid Prime" games are among the few first-person perspective games in which I've ever shown interest. The "Metroid Prime" games intrigue me because they're less about running and gunning and more about exploring and adventuring. I owned the first game in the series back in my Nintendo GameCube days, but never ventured too far into it for a variety of reasons. What held me back? Mainly, I flubbed my own game by using a cheat device that locked me into an area I couldn't escape. Also, the GameCube controller didn't work well for me. Plus, I bought the game at a time when I was buying new games on an almost weekly basis. What didn't immediately grab me got quickly tossed aside.So here we are, seven years later, me wondering whether I should again take the "Metroid Prime" plunge. It's interesting that I'm even considering the question, because for the longest time I was against playing Wii games that required both the remote and the nunchuk. I changed my mind on that matter for "Lego Star Wars," though, and found with it and "Ghostbusters" that such control setups can enhance rather than detract from the gameplay experience. And that could make all the difference on "Metroid Prime Trilogy." Well, that and I have no Wii cheat device and I'm no longer buying video games on a weekly basis.
What do you think? Should I give the series another go? Or should I stick to "Super Smash Bros. Brawl" when I want to play as Samus Aran?
8.24.2009
Once a writer, always a writer
As an editor, I don't write as much as I once did for the Blade. But that doesn't mean I've fully set aside my keyboard. Here's a roundup of some of the pieces I've written this summer.
Gays face torture, death in Iraq: report
Watchdog group says officials ‘have done little’ to stem problem
No jail time, despite hate crime guilty plea
Attack victim fears light penalty sends bad message
Blade web site targeted in ‘brute force attack’
Attack affects other Window Media websites
Gays face torture, death in Iraq: report
Watchdog group says officials ‘have done little’ to stem problem
No jail time, despite hate crime guilty plea
Attack victim fears light penalty sends bad message
Blade web site targeted in ‘brute force attack’
Attack affects other Window Media websites
8.23.2009
It's about time
It certainly took Nintendo long enough to act, but act they did.
In response to the many cheaters ruining the online gaming experience for "The Conduit," Nintendo is now banning the hackers. Some might suggest the game had it coming — one person said the online features were "virtually unprotected" — but no game and no gamer deserves to be shat upon in such a way. It's rude, it's disrespectful and it's unbelievably juvenile. That this problem and others like it exists exasperates me to no end and affirms to me why online gaming is rarely worth the trouble.
Incidentally, I find it interesting how the hackers are responding to Nintendo's move. One person is complaining that "this stupid thing carries over" so he can't play "Mario Kart Wii" online. Poor baby. Another person wisely deduced that "Nintendo is SERIOUSLY pissed off with hackers now." Yeah, you think? Still another person insists there "has to be a code that will allow you to be online without being banned."
There is. It's called a code of honor. You might want to look into it.
In response to the many cheaters ruining the online gaming experience for "The Conduit," Nintendo is now banning the hackers. Some might suggest the game had it coming — one person said the online features were "virtually unprotected" — but no game and no gamer deserves to be shat upon in such a way. It's rude, it's disrespectful and it's unbelievably juvenile. That this problem and others like it exists exasperates me to no end and affirms to me why online gaming is rarely worth the trouble.Incidentally, I find it interesting how the hackers are responding to Nintendo's move. One person is complaining that "this stupid thing carries over" so he can't play "Mario Kart Wii" online. Poor baby. Another person wisely deduced that "Nintendo is SERIOUSLY pissed off with hackers now." Yeah, you think? Still another person insists there "has to be a code that will allow you to be online without being banned."
There is. It's called a code of honor. You might want to look into it.
8.22.2009
The Fractured Prune: Full of awesome
After hearing of the glory of the Rockville location months ago, I finally got to try a donut from the Fractured Prune that just opened in Silver Spring. And may I just say...it lives up to the hype. The donuts are everything I had hoped for, and more.The shop is basically the Cold Stone Creamery of donuts. They make hot cake donuts to order and you select your glaze and toppings, or pick from their pre-selected options, like strawberry shortcake (strawberry glaze with graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar, which is what Josh had). You can see a full menu here. Additionally, they have bagels and a variety of breakfast sandwiches, fat-free yogurt, and smoothies.
I wandered over to their new location at 8512 Fenton Street after getting some produce at the Farmer's Market this morning. It smelled like the mini donut stand at the County Fair. Yum. They just opened about a week ago, and their staff is clearly still trying to get the hang of how to handle several customers at a time. The wait was a bit too long, but they acknowledged that, apologized, and threw in an extra donut for free to thank me for waiting. That kind of service is rare around here, in my experience, so I really appreciated it. I ordered the aforementioned strawberry shortcake donut for Josh and a chocolate-glazed donut with mini chocolate chips for myself. They were served in a box, scalding hot. I almost hated to carry them home because I knew they'd cool in the 10 minutes it takes to get from there to our apartment.
We served up the donuts and gave them a try. I was surprised and impressed that mine was not only still warm, but had a pleasantly crunchy exterior and a very soft, fine consistency inside. I don't think I've ever had a store-bought donut like that before. The flavor reminded me a lot of the ones my mom used to make when I was a kid. Deeeelish. Josh, meanwhile, felt his donut didn't taste anything like a strawberry shortcake (the strawberry flavored glaze really didn't taste very much like strawberries) and wouldn't try that flavor again, but he would happily try a different variety next time. He, too, liked the texture of the donut itself.So go check it out, if you're in the area. It's definitely worth a try!
Quick review: G.I. Joe
In the days since I saw "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," several people have asked me what I thought of the movie.
Here's how I answer the question: It's a two hour movie. The first 90 minutes are great — better than I expected. The next 15 minutes, it starts to fall apart. And those last 15 minutes? It just hurts. But when you average it all out, "G.I. Joe" is a decent movie.
Among the things "G.I. Joe" does best is capturing and recreating the fun I had playing with the toys growing up. It's not overbearingly militaristic, which was something I strongly feared. Instead, the movie goes out of its way to give us relatable and multidimensional characters. These are not bland soldiers, blindly following Pentagon marching orders. Duke is dedicated yet witty. Scarlett is conceited yet unprepared. And the Baroness — perhaps the best character in the film — is wonderfully dynamic. Not all characters are handled with care. Some actors obviously "phoned in" their performances, and Zartan is clearly present only so the sequel can hit the ground running. But there are more hits than misses here.
The story seemed more suitable to Saturday morning cartoons than silver screens, but it's generally a fun ride. I appreciated the streamlined approach to some character's backstories (such as Snake Eyes) and applauded some of the new aspects that were introduced (with the relationship among Duke, Cobra Commander and the Baroness working best). Things really fell flat during the movie's final act, though, as we abruptly moved from chaotic fight scenes to an extended chase to an ending that reeked of studio interference. I would love to see a director's cut that follows through the writer's original intent as shown in the printed movie adaptation.
Despite these flaws, "G.I. Joe" gets a thumbs up from me simply because I left the theater having enjoyed the movie. It's a fun time, not a childhood memory destroyer. I'd happily see it again.
Here's how I answer the question: It's a two hour movie. The first 90 minutes are great — better than I expected. The next 15 minutes, it starts to fall apart. And those last 15 minutes? It just hurts. But when you average it all out, "G.I. Joe" is a decent movie.Among the things "G.I. Joe" does best is capturing and recreating the fun I had playing with the toys growing up. It's not overbearingly militaristic, which was something I strongly feared. Instead, the movie goes out of its way to give us relatable and multidimensional characters. These are not bland soldiers, blindly following Pentagon marching orders. Duke is dedicated yet witty. Scarlett is conceited yet unprepared. And the Baroness — perhaps the best character in the film — is wonderfully dynamic. Not all characters are handled with care. Some actors obviously "phoned in" their performances, and Zartan is clearly present only so the sequel can hit the ground running. But there are more hits than misses here.
The story seemed more suitable to Saturday morning cartoons than silver screens, but it's generally a fun ride. I appreciated the streamlined approach to some character's backstories (such as Snake Eyes) and applauded some of the new aspects that were introduced (with the relationship among Duke, Cobra Commander and the Baroness working best). Things really fell flat during the movie's final act, though, as we abruptly moved from chaotic fight scenes to an extended chase to an ending that reeked of studio interference. I would love to see a director's cut that follows through the writer's original intent as shown in the printed movie adaptation.
Despite these flaws, "G.I. Joe" gets a thumbs up from me simply because I left the theater having enjoyed the movie. It's a fun time, not a childhood memory destroyer. I'd happily see it again.
8.21.2009
Why I'm sticking with the Wii
Earlier this week, you might have noticed that Sony cut the PlayStation 3 price by $100. They're also introducing a revised model that's slimmer that the initial black brick. It's all an attempt to woo "mainstream" gamers, like me, into buying the system.
But it's not going to work.
Although the system is home to the forthcoming "DC Universe Online" game that I'd love to play, I can't justify purchasing the system for several reasons. Foremost among those reasons is that even at the cheaper price point, the $300 system costs $300 more than I have in my wallet. In these tough times when salaries are mournfully stagnant and rent is inexplicably on the rise, there's only so much a person can justify spending on such frivolities. A new Nintendo DS game? That's reasonable. An entirely new system? No way. Especially when I continue to have such great fun with my existing home system of choice, the Nintendo Wii.
Another thing holding me back? That I simply don't trust Sony — or, for that matter, Microsoft — to sell me a system that works. I'm currently boycotting Sony hardware after the company so sorely disappointed me in my last purchase, a combo VHS-and-DVD player. The long tempermental device is quickly devolving into a nigh unusable piece of garbage, leaving me to wonder which Netflix disc it will permanently entrap. If the company can't manage to give me a decent DVD player, why should I believe it'll give me a decent Blu-ray player?
Not that Microsoft is any better. The company has been caught recycling returned-and-repaired Xbox 360 systems, shipping them back to stores and touting them as new. I'm no lawyer, but that strikes me as pretty shady. And even should I manage to get a new Xbox 360 after methodically examining serial numbers, there's a better-than-even chance that it'll die on me. A report this week from Game Informer found that 54 percent of Microsoft's systems failed. Compare that to about 7 percent of Nintendo's system and 10 percent of Sony's system and you'll see why I'd be somewhat foolish to hand any of my dwindling entertainment dollars over to Microsoft.
To be fair, there are times I wish I had a PS3 or 360. "Batman: Arkham Asylum" looks beautiful. "Fable II" is one grand adventure I'd dearly like to play. And the online experiences both systems offer are far more robust than the Wii's setup. But I've made my choice and I remain very happy with it. A casual system with casual games is the perfect option for a man whose schedule only allows him to casually play.
That's why I'm sticking with the Wii.
But it's not going to work.
Although the system is home to the forthcoming "DC Universe Online" game that I'd love to play, I can't justify purchasing the system for several reasons. Foremost among those reasons is that even at the cheaper price point, the $300 system costs $300 more than I have in my wallet. In these tough times when salaries are mournfully stagnant and rent is inexplicably on the rise, there's only so much a person can justify spending on such frivolities. A new Nintendo DS game? That's reasonable. An entirely new system? No way. Especially when I continue to have such great fun with my existing home system of choice, the Nintendo Wii.Another thing holding me back? That I simply don't trust Sony — or, for that matter, Microsoft — to sell me a system that works. I'm currently boycotting Sony hardware after the company so sorely disappointed me in my last purchase, a combo VHS-and-DVD player. The long tempermental device is quickly devolving into a nigh unusable piece of garbage, leaving me to wonder which Netflix disc it will permanently entrap. If the company can't manage to give me a decent DVD player, why should I believe it'll give me a decent Blu-ray player?
Not that Microsoft is any better. The company has been caught recycling returned-and-repaired Xbox 360 systems, shipping them back to stores and touting them as new. I'm no lawyer, but that strikes me as pretty shady. And even should I manage to get a new Xbox 360 after methodically examining serial numbers, there's a better-than-even chance that it'll die on me. A report this week from Game Informer found that 54 percent of Microsoft's systems failed. Compare that to about 7 percent of Nintendo's system and 10 percent of Sony's system and you'll see why I'd be somewhat foolish to hand any of my dwindling entertainment dollars over to Microsoft.
To be fair, there are times I wish I had a PS3 or 360. "Batman: Arkham Asylum" looks beautiful. "Fable II" is one grand adventure I'd dearly like to play. And the online experiences both systems offer are far more robust than the Wii's setup. But I've made my choice and I remain very happy with it. A casual system with casual games is the perfect option for a man whose schedule only allows him to casually play.
That's why I'm sticking with the Wii.
8.20.2009
KINGDOM5 = $5
One side, Geico. I just saved $5 on the next "Kingdom Hearts" game!
For the uninitiated, "Kingdom Hearts" is a fantastic video game series that seamlessly blends the "Final Fantasy" and Disney World universes into one magical adventure. The three "Kingdom Hearts" games released on PlayStation 2 were absolute masterpieces and now a fourth game, made for the Nintendo DS, is due to hit stores next month. I'm rather excited to get it, partly because I love the gameplay and partly because the game promises to remedy some dangling plot threads.
If you're as interested in the game as I, then you'll doubtless share my enthusiasm in learning Amazon is offering $5 off the cost when you enter a special discount code. By inputing "KINGDOM5" at checkout, Amazon will subtract $5 from your order's total cost. That deal is doubly sweet because Amazon is offering "a limited edition art design cover sleeve."
So go forth, my fellow "Kingdom Hearts" fans. Go and save $5! Then check in with Geico. You never know. Fifteen minutes could save you a lot.
UPDATE: GameStop also is seeking to secure your "Kingdom Hearts" preorder by offering free overnight shipping. By using the coupon code SORA, you can take advantage of the offer.
For the uninitiated, "Kingdom Hearts" is a fantastic video game series that seamlessly blends the "Final Fantasy" and Disney World universes into one magical adventure. The three "Kingdom Hearts" games released on PlayStation 2 were absolute masterpieces and now a fourth game, made for the Nintendo DS, is due to hit stores next month. I'm rather excited to get it, partly because I love the gameplay and partly because the game promises to remedy some dangling plot threads.If you're as interested in the game as I, then you'll doubtless share my enthusiasm in learning Amazon is offering $5 off the cost when you enter a special discount code. By inputing "KINGDOM5" at checkout, Amazon will subtract $5 from your order's total cost. That deal is doubly sweet because Amazon is offering "a limited edition art design cover sleeve."
So go forth, my fellow "Kingdom Hearts" fans. Go and save $5! Then check in with Geico. You never know. Fifteen minutes could save you a lot.
UPDATE: GameStop also is seeking to secure your "Kingdom Hearts" preorder by offering free overnight shipping. By using the coupon code SORA, you can take advantage of the offer.
8.19.2009
I'd like to give a shout-out to all my tweeps in Little Lake Pequaym...
I've been on Twitter for over a year and a half now, and I wanted to give a quick shout-out to some of my favorite social media experts I follow.
- Nathan Wright is a great guy who taught me a lot at BlogWorld Expo last year, and offers lots of useful insights and helpful links about social media on Twitter and other social media.
- Greg Swan is another great guy I met at BlogWorld Expo, who has a lot of helpful insights about social media and marketing.
- Rick Klau was a keynote speaker at an ELCA Communicators Conference several years ago. He's to blame for this blog's existence! He's currently a VP at Google, working for their Blogger division (also responsible for this blog's existence).
- Dorothee Royal-Hedinger is another person I met at BlogWorld Expo. She's an uber-expert on social media and nonprofits and has lots of great stuff to share.
- Chris Brogan is one of the Twitter gods. Go and check out his follower count, then check out his tweets and you'll understand why it's so ridiculously high. He's a genius! (BTW - he's just released a book. Check it out.)
- Larissa Fair is a DC-based social media maven who shares useful articles and upcoming DC-based social media events.
- Ron Casalotti runs the online community at Business Week, and he's a super nice guy to boot. We met at last year's Online Community Summit.
- Sisarina hosts D.C.-based Tweetups, which are a lot of fun! Follow her if you want to keep up on upcoming events.
- Jason Falls is another one of the Twitterati whose area of expertise is social media marketing. And let me tell you, he really knows his stuff!
8.18.2009
"Ghosts of a Chance" makes museums fun!
On Sunday, we accompanied our friends Paul and Melissa to an event at the American Art Museum called Ghosts of a Chance. Essentially, it's an interactive mystery you can play as a team, and it takes you all throughout the museum. You have to solve puzzles and riddles, find certain works of art, and even, well, make stuff out of aluminum foil. Intended for ages 12 and up, but equally fun for grown-ups, the game has you testing your wits against three spirits which you must first locate and then exorcise with an activity. You use your cell phone to text in answers to puzzles, and if they're correct, you receive a text message back with the next clue. Some clues ask you to find a specific work of art (in which case, the nearby terminals are helpful), and sometimes they give you hints as to what the artwork contains or represents, and you have to figure it out on your own.
It took about 90 minutes to play three rounds of the game. I was impressed how easy it was to work together to solve the puzzles - each of us brought a different perspective to the game, which was helpful. Playing as a team was both fun and practical, as a race against the clock often necessitated us splitting up to track down a work of art.The only downside was that the game does require you to move a lot, and quickly - which makes it less fun for those who aren't as light on their feet. The elevators in the Luce Center of the museum were particularly slow...so if you're playing with someone who has trouble with stairs, be sure to allot extra time for travel between artworks. You do end up going all around the entire museum a couple of times, so wear comfortable walking shoes!
Right now, two games are available. I hope they make more of them, and adapt this game for other museums, like the Air and Space Museum or American History Museum. I understand the Spy Museum has something similar as well (but you have to pay to play it, unlike the Smithsonian game, which is free).
Oh and by the way - our reward for completing the game was a set of rubber band bracelets that declared us Official Ghost Hunters. Fun!
8.17.2009
8.16.2009
Chocolate walnut jam bars
I adapted a recipe from the latest Betty Crocker magazine to add more awesome. Here's the result:
Chocolate Walnut Jam Bars
Ingredients:
Chocolate Walnut Jam Bars
Ingredients:- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup ground walnuts
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 2/3 cup favorite preserves or jam (homemade works best)
- 1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips
- Heat oven to 375. Grease bottom and sides of 8- or 9-inch square pan with shortening.
- In large bowl, mix first four ingredients until crumbly. Press two-thirds of the crumbly mixture in pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Spread with preserves. Sprinkle with remaining crumbly mixture; press lightly.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows.
8.14.2009
Freaky Friday: Random bits of goodness
Hi, all. I know Josh is usually the one to compile random lists for your enjoyment, but today you get a random list served Annie-style. Enjoy.
The useful
The useful
Anyone using iGoogle as their start page? They've just added some social networking gadgets, including one that lets you play Scrabble with friends. Set your watches for their inevitable merger with Facebook...- SocMed types, here's a handy article that echoes the points of a presentation I heard at BlogPotomac about how to work with your organization's legal team.
- Here's another one for the SocMed fans out there - if you want to focus on strategy and mission first, you've got to ban seven words from your planning meetings. Find out what they are and why they're deadly.
- I married into a family of bargain hunters, so I have a feeling they'll particularly appreciate Yahoo!'s latest effort - Yahoo! Deals. It's a coupon aggregator. Neat!
- How much would it cost to build a Death Star? A Canadian man estimates about $15,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000...BEFORE labor costs. That's just the cost of the components and getting them into space. Contractors/clone armies not included.
- I've really been enjoying the blog Probably Bad News since I discovered them through Failblog. Here's an example of the joy. (Warning: Not all their entries are work-safe like this one is.)
- I'm glad I wasn't drinking milk while reading this genius compilation of amusing Google Suggest results. It would've gotten awfully messy! You'll laugh; you'll cry; you'll ponder whether or not gorillas can swim.
8.13.2009
Wanchai Ferry: Not bad, but too complicated
As promised, here's our review of the Wanchai Ferry Orange Chicken meal we received as part of our recent giveaway through MyBlogSpark.We had the orange chicken for dinner last night, and it was OK. Our main quibbles were that there really wasn't much chicken in the package we received, and it was a bit too complex to prepare for a frozen meal. First you have to cook the chicken in a skillet. Then you take the chicken out. Then you put the vegetables in the skillet and cook them for awhile. Then you put the chicken back in. Meanwhile you cook the rice in the microwave, then you assemble everything.
For a homemade meal, that's fine. For something that comes out of a frozen bag...it's a little much. And it didn't taste dramatically better than other meals I simply poured into the skillet from the bag and cooked (like Trader Joe's frozen pasta meals).
All that being said, it tasted OK. As frozen meals go, it was better than most of your standard grocery store fare, just more complicated to make and lacking in the meat department.
8.12.2009
Fiber One gift bag giveaway winners!
Congratulations to the winners of the Fiber One prize pack! We agreed these folks had tried the weirdest snacks, though it was a tough decision to narrow down our top six to three.
Thanks to everyone who entered! We hope to have another awesome giveaway soon.
UPDATE: Never heard from 5Webs, so Karin gets the prize instead. She offered up "sour cream and chives, salsa and spaghetti noodles" - which intrigued us!
- SusanSusanSusanSusan, who has apparently tried every weird food under the sun
- Kimberly, who once ate fish eyes
- 5Webs, who's tried a Triscuit topped with a slice of liverwurst, a dab of peanut butter, mayo, and pickle relish
Thanks to everyone who entered! We hope to have another awesome giveaway soon.
UPDATE: Never heard from 5Webs, so Karin gets the prize instead. She offered up "sour cream and chives, salsa and spaghetti noodles" - which intrigued us!
8.11.2009
Quick review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
We saw this a couple weeks ago, so I apologize it's so late. But since some have asked, here's the essence of what I thought of the sixth Harry Potter film.While I appreciate its faithfulness to pieces of the book, the film was way too bent on being a literal translation of some of the most memorable bits at the expensive of the overarching narrative. Those who have read the book will recall there was a continuous plot - namely, Harry and Dumbledore delving into Voldemort's past while Draco works in Voldemort's name to destroy Hogwarts. But the movie shortchanged Voldemort's past, totally eliminated the major fight scene at the end, and randomly inserted a dramatic scene at the Weasley's that was not only not in the book, but had no implications after the fact in the movie. Why was that scene there? What did it accomplish?
The movie felt choppy and disconnected, jarringly switching from teen romance to Quidditch to more serious things and then back again. (And honestly, the Quidditch stuff could've been easily dropped to make room for the actual plot.) While it was a good adaptation of parts of the book, it didn't encapsulate what the book was ABOUT. I found myself mentally filling in gaps in the story, which made me wonder if someone who hadn't read the book, or hadn't read it recently, would be able to track with everything.
I'm also left concerned about the adaptation of the final book, which will be split into two movies. First off, a solid third of the final book is about Ron, Hermione and Harry camping while they argue a lot and nothing happens. So this should really be the easiest book to adapt into one movie, and I'm not sure why it's necessary to split it into two. That being said, maybe the next movie will be filled with the exposition left out in this film.
Overall, I give the movie a B-. The acting and directing were excellent, as was the cinematography, costuming, art direction, etc...but the screenplay really needed another revision or two.
8.10.2009
Why doesn't VH1 count things anymore?
Everyone in my generation has done the "Why doesn't MTV play videos anymore?" rant. Today I'm taking that rant and applying it to VH1, which used to be one of my favorite networks.There was a glorious time, just a few years ago, when VH1 was the network devoted to two things: counting things, and "loving" things. From "100 Greatest Songs of Rock 'N' Roll" to "I Love the 70s/80s/90s/New Millennium," I could always count (ha!) on VH1 to provide amusing insights and nostalgia.
That time, sadly, has passed. Now the network seems fully devoted to the overdone reality TV elimination dating genre, or even more specifically, the celebrity reality TV elimination dating genre.
Sigh.
I hold up the following plea to the Viacom executives. Ahem.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have no interest in or desire to watch Flava Flav, Christopher Knight, New York or Bret Michaels determine who among a handful of empty-headed contestants would make a viable life partner. Honestly, don't you think this genre has been done to death? Either get an original idea, or get back to what you do best - vacuous but highly entertaining programming devoted to remembering days past. It's easy, it works, and goodness knows it's made many a sick day much more tolerable for Gen-X and Gen-Yers in this country.
Until then, I'll be watching my VHS tapes from the good old days of VH1.
8.09.2009
G.I. Joe: Thumbs Up!
I just returned from the theater and will post my full review later today. In the meantime, though, suffice it to say that "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" gets a "thumbs up" from me. My 32-year-old mind saw many flaws, but my 7-year old heart saw enough to counterbalance. "G.I. Joe" is a good end-of-the summer popcorn flick — and nothing more. But that's fine by me.
Post your thoughts in the comments!
UPDATE: I lied. I'm not going to write a full review tonight. Instead, Annie and I are enjoying the rest of our weekend by playing "Metal Gear Solid" on the Wii. I'll write my review another time. Have a good week, all!
Giveaway: Fiber One Yogurt Healthy & Fit Weight Management Gift Bag
UPDATE: THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY.
Thanks to the folks at MyBlogSpark, we've got another giveaway to reward you, our loyal Think Lynsen readers!
This time, we're giving away three - count 'em - THREE "Fiber One Yogurt Healthy & Fit Weight Management Gift Bags." These gift bags are pretty cool, actually. They include a really nice lunch bag with compartments, a plastic meal container, two utensils that contain a spoon, fork, and knife in one, a plastic cup with a lid, and a coupon for a free four-pack of Fiber One yogurt.
We'll be trying out the Fiber One yogurt this week, and will let you know what we think. Despite the awesomeness of the giveaway, we promise our review will be unbiased. If you want to try it, too, you can get a $1 off coupon here. We've also just received our Wanchai Ferry meal, and will be trying that out this week and reviewing it as well.
So how can you enter to receive one of the three prize packs? Simple. Just post a comment by midnight Eastern time Monday, Aug. 10 telling us about the strangest snack you've ever tried or would like to try. We'll pick our favorites and will announce the winners on Wednesday.
Thanks to the folks at MyBlogSpark, we've got another giveaway to reward you, our loyal Think Lynsen readers!This time, we're giving away three - count 'em - THREE "Fiber One Yogurt Healthy & Fit Weight Management Gift Bags." These gift bags are pretty cool, actually. They include a really nice lunch bag with compartments, a plastic meal container, two utensils that contain a spoon, fork, and knife in one, a plastic cup with a lid, and a coupon for a free four-pack of Fiber One yogurt.
We'll be trying out the Fiber One yogurt this week, and will let you know what we think. Despite the awesomeness of the giveaway, we promise our review will be unbiased. If you want to try it, too, you can get a $1 off coupon here. We've also just received our Wanchai Ferry meal, and will be trying that out this week and reviewing it as well.
So how can you enter to receive one of the three prize packs? Simple. Just post a comment by midnight Eastern time Monday, Aug. 10 telling us about the strangest snack you've ever tried or would like to try. We'll pick our favorites and will announce the winners on Wednesday.
8.08.2009
Too close for comfort
That such direct links between "Team America: World Police" (left) and "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" (right) can be drawn isn't a good sign.
8.07.2009
BUY MY STUFF!
Read the background here, then purchase…Lot #1: MapleStory TCG cards
Lot #2: SOLD
Lot #3: SOLD
Lot #4: SOLD
Lot #5: SOLD
Lot #6: G.I. Joe comics and trades
Lot #7: SOLD
Lot #8: Batman, Superman and Green Lantern comics
Lot #9: Geoff Johns Teen Titans comics
Lot #10: SOLD
Lot #11: SOLD
Lot #12: SOLD
Lot #13: Marvel comics DVD-ROM collections
Lot #14: SOLD
Lot #15: DVD grab bag
Sir Lancelot did not slay Trogdor
I have no problem with grandstanding in Congress. Politics is theater, after all. But if you're going to invoke the Arthurian legends, Sen. Grassley, at least have an intern fact check your posters.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Chuck Grassley's Debt and Deficit Dragon | ||||
| ||||
My virtual garage sale
One of the problems of living in small apartments is there's not much room for luxuries. And by luxuries, I mean comic books, toys and collectibles.
That's why I'm going to open tomorrow a virtual garage sale. It's time for me to clean house and put some of my more — ahem — unessential items up for sale on Craigslist. I'll be posting a dozen or so "lots" that include multiple items, all grouped thematically. One lot, for example, will include my "G.I. Joe" trade paperbacks and some related items. Another lot offers my Minimate collection. All my HeroClix playing pieces are divided among three lots. And so on and so on.
As with all good garage sales, I've abandoned the notion of recouping what I spent. I just want to clear out the closet and maybe make enough to buy a video game or two. So these things will be priced to move — with volume discounts included. I'll post the links here once they're active, and you'll want to look early, less you miss out on some great deals.
(Oh, and sorry to disappoint, Tony, but my 12" Boba Fett is not for sale.)
That's why I'm going to open tomorrow a virtual garage sale. It's time for me to clean house and put some of my more — ahem — unessential items up for sale on Craigslist. I'll be posting a dozen or so "lots" that include multiple items, all grouped thematically. One lot, for example, will include my "G.I. Joe" trade paperbacks and some related items. Another lot offers my Minimate collection. All my HeroClix playing pieces are divided among three lots. And so on and so on.As with all good garage sales, I've abandoned the notion of recouping what I spent. I just want to clear out the closet and maybe make enough to buy a video game or two. So these things will be priced to move — with volume discounts included. I'll post the links here once they're active, and you'll want to look early, less you miss out on some great deals.
(Oh, and sorry to disappoint, Tony, but my 12" Boba Fett is not for sale.)
8.06.2009
Epic Mickey is, well, epic!
I have great respect for "Kingdom Hearts," the dynamic adventure game that eloquently blends the Walt Disney and Final Fantasy worlds. I honestly thought Disney could do no better. But I might be wrong.
"Epic Mickey," a new game purportedly for the Nintendo Wii, could top the "Kingdom Hearts" games if these early concept renderings are any indication. The artwork by Fred Gambino and Gary Glover takes such a unique approach that I simply had to share it with you. It's amazing.
Oddly enough, I might have dismissed the art had I seen it before CONvergence. But my trip this year to the annual geeky gathering in Minnesota helped me better understand the steampunk genre, which strongly influenced these "Epic Mickey" designs. It probably doesn't hurt, either, that I'm midway through reading "The Time Machine" at the moment.
Alternate realities have long proven an enjoyable mental exercise for me, whether it's debating with comrades whether B could have happened without A, or viewing such science fiction movies. And the crazed tale associated with "Epic Mickey" — that forgotten Disney characters are out to get their revenge on Mickey, presumably because they're jealous of all his fame and fortune — piques my interest nicely.
Because it's not yet officially announced, we know precious little about the game. Is it a strategy game? A role-playing game? Is it easy on the dystopia? Does it have a harder edge? I'm anxious to know — and many other gamers are similarly curious. Here's hoping we get an official announcement and additional information for the game soon!
"Epic Mickey," a new game purportedly for the Nintendo Wii, could top the "Kingdom Hearts" games if these early concept renderings are any indication. The artwork by Fred Gambino and Gary Glover takes such a unique approach that I simply had to share it with you. It's amazing.Oddly enough, I might have dismissed the art had I seen it before CONvergence. But my trip this year to the annual geeky gathering in Minnesota helped me better understand the steampunk genre, which strongly influenced these "Epic Mickey" designs. It probably doesn't hurt, either, that I'm midway through reading "The Time Machine" at the moment.
Alternate realities have long proven an enjoyable mental exercise for me, whether it's debating with comrades whether B could have happened without A, or viewing such science fiction movies. And the crazed tale associated with "Epic Mickey" — that forgotten Disney characters are out to get their revenge on Mickey, presumably because they're jealous of all his fame and fortune — piques my interest nicely.
Because it's not yet officially announced, we know precious little about the game. Is it a strategy game? A role-playing game? Is it easy on the dystopia? Does it have a harder edge? I'm anxious to know — and many other gamers are similarly curious. Here's hoping we get an official announcement and additional information for the game soon!
Knowing is half the battle
Perhaps my cynical tendencies got the better of me earlier this week on "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra." Maybe a new perspective is in order.
To that end, I'm reproducing here Movie Retriever's Six Ways the "G.I. Joe" Movie Could Be Better Than "Transformers 2" with my own thoughts. It's a pretty safe bet that "G.I. Joe" won't hold a candle to this summer's glorious "Star Trek" flick, but perhaps it can outdo the mess that was "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." (It really wouldn't be that difficult.) So let's consider Movie Retriever's logic. Why exactly might my trip to the theater this weekend rock?
1. Diminished Expectations. After it was revealed "G.I. Joe" wouldn't be screened for critics, we knew it was time to dial back our expectations. So if we go in expecting "bad," and we see "mediocre," perhaps we'll come out thinking it was "pretty decent." It's devilishly clever.
2. The G.I. Joes Have Faces. I've long hated Michael Bay's Transformers designs. So the fact that we get some actual actors in this movie — heck, we get Dr. Who as our Destro — is cause for celebration.
3. The Accelerator Suits Might Just Surprise Everyone. I tend to doubt this, but it's really a moot point. So many fanboys have made a stink over the suits without realizing they're only on screen for a reported 15 minutes. If they rock, great, but even if they suck, no big.
4. Stephen Sommers Is Better at Delivering FUN Than Michael Bay. Agreed! I'm one of the five people who actually enjoyed Stephen's "Van Helsing" as the footloose popcorn flick it was intended to be. Ever since "Pearl Harbor," Michael's been taking himself way too seriously. Stephen has the edge.
5. Sexist Male Rationale #59280. To be clear, Megan Fox is easy on the eyes. But "G.I. Joe" has three fine ladies in starring roles. And the mathematics are indisputable: three > one.
6. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Was a Terrible, Terrible Movie. Amen, Movie Retriever. Amen.
So with these hopeful thoughts in mind, let us march gleefully tomorrow to our neighborhood cinema and proudly purchase our admission to "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra." It might be awesome. It might be horrible. But any way around it, "Transformers 2" it is not. And that alone makes me happy.
To that end, I'm reproducing here Movie Retriever's Six Ways the "G.I. Joe" Movie Could Be Better Than "Transformers 2" with my own thoughts. It's a pretty safe bet that "G.I. Joe" won't hold a candle to this summer's glorious "Star Trek" flick, but perhaps it can outdo the mess that was "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." (It really wouldn't be that difficult.) So let's consider Movie Retriever's logic. Why exactly might my trip to the theater this weekend rock?1. Diminished Expectations. After it was revealed "G.I. Joe" wouldn't be screened for critics, we knew it was time to dial back our expectations. So if we go in expecting "bad," and we see "mediocre," perhaps we'll come out thinking it was "pretty decent." It's devilishly clever.
2. The G.I. Joes Have Faces. I've long hated Michael Bay's Transformers designs. So the fact that we get some actual actors in this movie — heck, we get Dr. Who as our Destro — is cause for celebration.
3. The Accelerator Suits Might Just Surprise Everyone. I tend to doubt this, but it's really a moot point. So many fanboys have made a stink over the suits without realizing they're only on screen for a reported 15 minutes. If they rock, great, but even if they suck, no big.
4. Stephen Sommers Is Better at Delivering FUN Than Michael Bay. Agreed! I'm one of the five people who actually enjoyed Stephen's "Van Helsing" as the footloose popcorn flick it was intended to be. Ever since "Pearl Harbor," Michael's been taking himself way too seriously. Stephen has the edge.
5. Sexist Male Rationale #59280. To be clear, Megan Fox is easy on the eyes. But "G.I. Joe" has three fine ladies in starring roles. And the mathematics are indisputable: three > one.
6. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Was a Terrible, Terrible Movie. Amen, Movie Retriever. Amen.
So with these hopeful thoughts in mind, let us march gleefully tomorrow to our neighborhood cinema and proudly purchase our admission to "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra." It might be awesome. It might be horrible. But any way around it, "Transformers 2" it is not. And that alone makes me happy.
8.05.2009
Oops!
As some of you already know, my cell phone took an unfortunate ride through the washing machine last weekend. I'm sure you can deduce what that meant for the phone's functionality.
While I hobble along on Annie's old and temperamental phone, I'm considering my next move, which ranges from the generally unpopular "give up using cell phones" to the unbearably expensive "get a T-Mobile G2." For an array of reasons, I'm not likely to land on either end of the spectrum, but instead fall somewhere in the middle. So long as the model has good sound quality, an easy texting system and decent photo capabilities, I'll probably be happy. Probably. So why am I so unexcited at the notion of going phone shopping?
If anyone wants to help and tell me which among T-Mobile's offerings look like a good deal, I'd welcome the input. If nothing else, consider this your chance to help pick which cell phone next goes through our washing machine.
While I hobble along on Annie's old and temperamental phone, I'm considering my next move, which ranges from the generally unpopular "give up using cell phones" to the unbearably expensive "get a T-Mobile G2." For an array of reasons, I'm not likely to land on either end of the spectrum, but instead fall somewhere in the middle. So long as the model has good sound quality, an easy texting system and decent photo capabilities, I'll probably be happy. Probably. So why am I so unexcited at the notion of going phone shopping?If anyone wants to help and tell me which among T-Mobile's offerings look like a good deal, I'd welcome the input. If nothing else, consider this your chance to help pick which cell phone next goes through our washing machine.
What if 'G.I. Joe' bites?
Should the "G.I. Joe" movie bite harder than a Buffy villain, I'll need something else from Hollywood to champion. What are the contenders? Let's take a look…
• There's the newly announced and encouraging prequel to "Alien," which Ridley Scott is directing. Perhaps we'll finally learn the backstory behind the mysterious Space Jockey and the circumstances that caused his ship to crash on LV-426. That's a story worth telling.
• Of course, the only notion better than a good sequel are two good sequels. As work continues on the followup to this year's spectacular "Star Trek" film, word has is it that Paramount is taking a farsighted approach to the franchise. The next two "Trek" films could be filmed simultaneously.
• Speaking of good ideas, Warner Brothers is apparently (and thankfully) going to reboot the Superman film series. A planned sequel to "Superman Returns," tentatively titled "Man of Steel," is no more and the next Superman movie will start from scratch.
• Also starting from scratch is the "Green Lantern" movie, which will star Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan and hit theaters in 2011. I'd prefer the movie revolve around Kyle Rayner, the more interesting, latter-day Green Lantern, but I'll take what I can get.
• Speaking of super hero films, I'd love to see a "Wonder Woman" film, but I'm not sure Jennifer Love Hewitt would be best for the lead. Still, she told MTV that she'd love to play the part. Of course you would, Jennifer. But I think your "it girl" status ended when "Party of Five" wrapped.
Those are the projects on my radar at the moment. What's on yours?
• There's the newly announced and encouraging prequel to "Alien," which Ridley Scott is directing. Perhaps we'll finally learn the backstory behind the mysterious Space Jockey and the circumstances that caused his ship to crash on LV-426. That's a story worth telling.
• Of course, the only notion better than a good sequel are two good sequels. As work continues on the followup to this year's spectacular "Star Trek" film, word has is it that Paramount is taking a farsighted approach to the franchise. The next two "Trek" films could be filmed simultaneously.• Speaking of good ideas, Warner Brothers is apparently (and thankfully) going to reboot the Superman film series. A planned sequel to "Superman Returns," tentatively titled "Man of Steel," is no more and the next Superman movie will start from scratch.
• Also starting from scratch is the "Green Lantern" movie, which will star Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan and hit theaters in 2011. I'd prefer the movie revolve around Kyle Rayner, the more interesting, latter-day Green Lantern, but I'll take what I can get.
• Speaking of super hero films, I'd love to see a "Wonder Woman" film, but I'm not sure Jennifer Love Hewitt would be best for the lead. Still, she told MTV that she'd love to play the part. Of course you would, Jennifer. But I think your "it girl" status ended when "Party of Five" wrapped.
Those are the projects on my radar at the moment. What's on yours?
8.04.2009
It all comes crashing down
You might recall that I mentioned a while back that "The Matrix Online" was concluding. Well, that conclusion has concluded. Or something.
The conclusion generated a lot of buzz, interest and documentation. In short, it set a new standard for MMORPG endings. You can see some of the wonderfully bizarre screenshots at Massively. It describes the game's final moments thusly:
"There were explosions, lightning bolts, oddly colored skies until finally.... in the last few hours... it became beautiful again. The green skies were rolled back in favor of a blue sky tinged with hints of red. Then, of course, we all got our plugs pulled and ended up smashed into... well..."
If you want more, a play by play video can be seen at Giant Bomb. Be aware that the video, which has running commentary, could be described as above the PG level, so it's not the kind of thing you'll want to watch at work. If you've ever been curious to see how an endless game ends, though, it's a good view.
This all makes me wonder how other MMORPGs, like "Star Wars Galaxies" or "World of Warcraft," might end. Any ideas?
The conclusion generated a lot of buzz, interest and documentation. In short, it set a new standard for MMORPG endings. You can see some of the wonderfully bizarre screenshots at Massively. It describes the game's final moments thusly:"There were explosions, lightning bolts, oddly colored skies until finally.... in the last few hours... it became beautiful again. The green skies were rolled back in favor of a blue sky tinged with hints of red. Then, of course, we all got our plugs pulled and ended up smashed into... well..."
If you want more, a play by play video can be seen at Giant Bomb. Be aware that the video, which has running commentary, could be described as above the PG level, so it's not the kind of thing you'll want to watch at work. If you've ever been curious to see how an endless game ends, though, it's a good view.
This all makes me wonder how other MMORPGs, like "Star Wars Galaxies" or "World of Warcraft," might end. Any ideas?
Three days and counting…
It's just three days until "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" hits theaters. And after much debate and emotional turmoil, I think I've finally calibrated my expectations appropriately.
Yo Joe, one of the Internet's oldest G.I. Joe fan sites, has posted a critical review of the film that seems to best reflect my perspective. As expected, the review says this movie "is not the G.I. Joe of [the] past," and to resist the new approach and presentation will make the film "hard to like." You can take heart, though, in knowing that the flick is a "really, really entertaining movie."
"And every Joe fan should go see it," says the review. "But it is changing G.I. Joe forever."
In short, the review says what we're going to see Friday is G.I. Joe 3.0. The first version of this franchise was the military and adventure team dolls that debuted in the 1960s. The second spin was the relaunched G.I. Joe vs. Cobra mythos that I grew up knowing and loving. For this third representation, says the review, "G.I. Joe has changed once again into something new."
So be it. I might like it. I might not. We'll find out soon enough. But I feel better prepared to see "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" for having read the Yo Joe review. If you consider yourself a Joe fan, you might want to read it, too.
Yo Joe, one of the Internet's oldest G.I. Joe fan sites, has posted a critical review of the film that seems to best reflect my perspective. As expected, the review says this movie "is not the G.I. Joe of [the] past," and to resist the new approach and presentation will make the film "hard to like." You can take heart, though, in knowing that the flick is a "really, really entertaining movie.""And every Joe fan should go see it," says the review. "But it is changing G.I. Joe forever."
In short, the review says what we're going to see Friday is G.I. Joe 3.0. The first version of this franchise was the military and adventure team dolls that debuted in the 1960s. The second spin was the relaunched G.I. Joe vs. Cobra mythos that I grew up knowing and loving. For this third representation, says the review, "G.I. Joe has changed once again into something new."
So be it. I might like it. I might not. We'll find out soon enough. But I feel better prepared to see "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" for having read the Yo Joe review. If you consider yourself a Joe fan, you might want to read it, too.
8.03.2009
Give me a break
A quick note this evening to express my frustration at Newsarama — and why I'll be looking elsewhere now for my comic book news.
The site irrevocably offended me by posting this report on its front page: Video gamers hooked for life. The exasperating story advances the ludicrous notion that "pathological video game playing" should be included in the American Psychiatric Association's next Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Yeah, you read that right. The comic book guys think video games corrupt our youth. How quickly we forget our history. But wait! Now for the kicker: It should be noted that this report is brought to you by the same site that's currently hosting the press release and trailer for the new Batman video game.
Sigh.
I wondered how Newsarama would change after founder Matt Brady stepped down last month. Yeesh. Thanks for the memories, Newsarama, but I'm switching my bookmark to Comic Book Resources.
The site irrevocably offended me by posting this report on its front page: Video gamers hooked for life. The exasperating story advances the ludicrous notion that "pathological video game playing" should be included in the American Psychiatric Association's next Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.Yeah, you read that right. The comic book guys think video games corrupt our youth. How quickly we forget our history. But wait! Now for the kicker: It should be noted that this report is brought to you by the same site that's currently hosting the press release and trailer for the new Batman video game.
Sigh.
I wondered how Newsarama would change after founder Matt Brady stepped down last month. Yeesh. Thanks for the memories, Newsarama, but I'm switching my bookmark to Comic Book Resources.
Best. TV Show Title. Ever.
It's real.
For serious.
And it looks pretty awesome!
Here's the description from the Food Network's website: "Everyone knows Olympic figure skater Brian Boitano is a champion on the ice, but he also gives a gold medal performance in the kitchen! In the new daytime series, What Would Brian Boitano Make?, Brian demonstrates his culinary skills and passion for one-of-a-kind entertaining. In every unpredictable episode, Brian hosts get-togethers at his San Francisco home. With a humorous and knowledgeable approach to cooking, Brian puts his unique spin on irresistible dishes like Chicken Paella Burgers, Pear and Almond Crostata, Crab and Avocado Crostini, and Bourbon Bacon Apple Tarts."
SOLD!
8.02.2009
Annie's mixes: Strength training
This is the third in a series of posts I'll be doing listing some of my favorite mixes (well, selected songs from them, anyway - to list them all would take way too long).
I used to have a generic "workout" mix, but I found myself skipping songs a lot because they didn't match the pace of what I was doing. A cardio workout requires a different beat than a strength training workout, I discovered, so I eventually broke up that mix into a cardio mix, a strength training mix, and a cool down mix. The result? A lot less song-skipping while I'm exercising.
So here's the strength training mix. Please feel free to add your suggestions or favorite strength training songs to the comments!
Hold On Loosely - .38 Special
Don't Trust Me - 3OH!3
Back In Black - AC/DC
Cruel summer - Ace of Base
Love In An Elevator - Aerosmith
Flavor of the Weak - American Hi-Fi
Chewing Gum - Annie
Me Plus One - Annie
Everybody (Backstreet's Back) - Backstreet Boys
Get Ya Party On - Baha Men
Mr. Hurricane - Beast
Black Tambourine - Beck
Ghettochip Malfunction (Hell Yes) [Remix by 8-Bit] - Beck
Hotwax - Beck
Sexx Laws - Beck
Crazy in Love - Beyoncé
Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) [Dance Mix] - Big & Rich
Bad Medicine - Bon Jovi
Work It Out - Brassy
(You Drive Me) Crazy - Britney Spears
Fighter - Christina Aguilera
Holy Diver - Dio
Connection - Elastica
Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani
Cold Hard Bitch - Jet
I Love Rock n Roll - Joan Jett
Breaking the Law - Judas Priest
SexyBack - Justin Timberlake featuring Timbaland
I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry
Calling Dr. Love - Kiss
Kids - Kylie Minogue
Like a Drug - Kylie Minogue
Funky Town - Lipps Inc.
Die Another Day - Madonna
Harder to Breathe - Maroon 5
Bad - Michael Jackson
Beat It (Single Version) - Michael Jackson
Black or White (Single Version) - Michael Jackson
Promiscuous - Nelly Furtado & Timbaland
Mission Impossible - Nettai Jazz
Hey Ya! - OutKast
Nothin' But a Good Time - Poison
Disturbia - Rihanna
Pon de Replay - Rihanna
Push It [Remix] - Salt-N-Pepa
The Warrior - Scandal
Everybody to the Limit - Strongbad
Never Say Never - That Dog
I Believe in a Thing Called Love - The Darkness
40 Boys In 40 Nights - The Donnas
All Messed Up - The Donnas
Give Me What I Want - The Donnas
Cheap and Cheerful - The Kills
Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
That's Not My Name - The Ting Tings
The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades - Timbuk 3
Macho Man - Village People
Everybody Have Fun Tonight - Wang Chung
I used to have a generic "workout" mix, but I found myself skipping songs a lot because they didn't match the pace of what I was doing. A cardio workout requires a different beat than a strength training workout, I discovered, so I eventually broke up that mix into a cardio mix, a strength training mix, and a cool down mix. The result? A lot less song-skipping while I'm exercising.
So here's the strength training mix. Please feel free to add your suggestions or favorite strength training songs to the comments!
Hold On Loosely - .38 SpecialDon't Trust Me - 3OH!3
Back In Black - AC/DC
Cruel summer - Ace of Base
Love In An Elevator - Aerosmith
Flavor of the Weak - American Hi-Fi
Chewing Gum - Annie
Me Plus One - Annie
Everybody (Backstreet's Back) - Backstreet Boys
Get Ya Party On - Baha Men
Mr. Hurricane - Beast
Black Tambourine - Beck
Ghettochip Malfunction (Hell Yes) [Remix by 8-Bit] - Beck
Hotwax - Beck
Sexx Laws - Beck
Crazy in Love - Beyoncé
Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) [Dance Mix] - Big & Rich
Bad Medicine - Bon Jovi
Work It Out - Brassy
(You Drive Me) Crazy - Britney Spears
Fighter - Christina Aguilera
Holy Diver - Dio
Connection - Elastica
Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani
Cold Hard Bitch - Jet
I Love Rock n Roll - Joan Jett
Breaking the Law - Judas Priest
SexyBack - Justin Timberlake featuring Timbaland
I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry
Calling Dr. Love - Kiss
Kids - Kylie Minogue
Like a Drug - Kylie Minogue
Funky Town - Lipps Inc.
Die Another Day - Madonna
Harder to Breathe - Maroon 5
Bad - Michael Jackson
Beat It (Single Version) - Michael Jackson
Black or White (Single Version) - Michael Jackson
Promiscuous - Nelly Furtado & Timbaland
Mission Impossible - Nettai Jazz
Hey Ya! - OutKast
Nothin' But a Good Time - Poison
Disturbia - Rihanna
Pon de Replay - Rihanna
Push It [Remix] - Salt-N-Pepa
The Warrior - Scandal
Everybody to the Limit - Strongbad
Never Say Never - That Dog
I Believe in a Thing Called Love - The Darkness
40 Boys In 40 Nights - The Donnas
All Messed Up - The Donnas
Give Me What I Want - The Donnas
Cheap and Cheerful - The Kills
Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
That's Not My Name - The Ting Tings
The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades - Timbuk 3
Macho Man - Village People
Everybody Have Fun Tonight - Wang Chung
8.01.2009
Annie's mixes: Mellow/happy
This is the second in a series of posts I'll be doing listing some of my favorite mixes (well, selected songs from them, anyway - to list them all would take way too long).
Like the Weather - 10,000 Maniacs
Honey, Honey - ABBA
Red Vines - Aimee Mann
Down to the River to Pray
Some Fantastic - Barenaked Ladies
No Rain - Blind Melon
Better Days (And the Bottom Drops Out) - Citizen King
Bubbly - Colbie Caillat
Center of the Sun (Solarstone's Chilled Out Remix) - Conjure One Featuring Poe
1234 - Feist
If You're Into It - Flight of the Conchords
The Most Beautiful Girl (In the Room) - Flight of the Conchords
Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
Trains to Brazil - Guillemots
They - Jem
Wish I - Jem
Got It Good - Jem
I Kissed a Girl - Jill Sobule
Back in 1999 - John Oszajca
Where's Bob Dylan When You Need Him - John Oszajca
Walking On Air - Kerli
LDN - Lily Allen
Billy Brown - Mika
Any Other World - Mika
Last Train to Clarksville - Monkees
Wonder - Natalie Merchant
Champagne Supernova - Oasis
All Around the World - Oasis
New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
Blush (Only You) - Plumb
Folding Chair - Regina Spektor
Fairytale - Sara Bareilles
Many the Miles - Sara Bareilles
Morningside - Sara Bareilles
Come On Up to the House - Sarah Jarosz
Beautiful Wreck - Shawn Mullins
Don't You Evah - Spoon
True Affection - The Blow
Fists Up - The Blow
Parentheses - The Blow
Dreams - The Cranberries
Radio Religion - The Old Ceremony
Papers in Order - The Old Ceremony
I Love the Stars - The Orion Experience
Heart of Glass - The Puppini Sisters
Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve
Four Alarm Fire in Lover's Lane - The Virgin-Whore Complex
Free Fallin' - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Drift Away - Uncle Kracker
Like the Weather - 10,000 ManiacsHoney, Honey - ABBA
Red Vines - Aimee Mann
Down to the River to Pray
Some Fantastic - Barenaked Ladies
No Rain - Blind Melon
Better Days (And the Bottom Drops Out) - Citizen King
Bubbly - Colbie Caillat
Center of the Sun (Solarstone's Chilled Out Remix) - Conjure One Featuring Poe
1234 - Feist
If You're Into It - Flight of the Conchords
The Most Beautiful Girl (In the Room) - Flight of the Conchords
Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
Trains to Brazil - Guillemots
They - Jem
Wish I - Jem
Got It Good - Jem
I Kissed a Girl - Jill Sobule
Back in 1999 - John Oszajca
Where's Bob Dylan When You Need Him - John Oszajca
Walking On Air - Kerli
LDN - Lily Allen
Billy Brown - Mika
Any Other World - Mika
Last Train to Clarksville - Monkees
Wonder - Natalie Merchant
Champagne Supernova - Oasis
All Around the World - Oasis
New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
Blush (Only You) - Plumb
Folding Chair - Regina Spektor
Fairytale - Sara Bareilles
Many the Miles - Sara Bareilles
Morningside - Sara Bareilles
Come On Up to the House - Sarah Jarosz
Beautiful Wreck - Shawn Mullins
Don't You Evah - Spoon
True Affection - The Blow
Fists Up - The Blow
Parentheses - The Blow
Dreams - The Cranberries
Radio Religion - The Old Ceremony
Papers in Order - The Old Ceremony
I Love the Stars - The Orion Experience
Heart of Glass - The Puppini Sisters
Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve
Four Alarm Fire in Lover's Lane - The Virgin-Whore Complex
Free Fallin' - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Drift Away - Uncle Kracker
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