Phendrana Drifts

Civilization III is my all-time favourite PC game. Well, maybe Civilization II. Regardless, I love this game. As regular readers know, my computer had a meltdown in Septmeber, and I just got my computer back. The OS was corrupted, so I had to reinstall it. All went ok, except I now can't get Civ III to work on my computer. There a couple of reasons this might be - first I have a different arrangement of my hard drives on my computer. Also, I no longer have the same video driver on my system, nVidia having updated the driver in early November. Grr... what to do? I could try a reformat of my hard drives (again) with the setup I had before, meaning Civ would be installed on the boot disk and that boot disk would be assigned the letter "c:\". Or... well, I've searched everywhere on the internet for the answer to my problems, so that is the only option. Unless I shell out $35 for the expansion (which may solve the problem, but might not). Grr...

Oh! And happy holiday season. Our tree goes up today or next Saturday! And of course the Phendrana Drifts girl is decked out now as well.

I succeeded! I almost didn't - Quynn asked if I wanted to go to Compusmart AND Future Shop... of course I didn't say no. And then while we were at Compusmart I found Final Fantasy Tactics for $14.99. The boys at Penny Arcade understand my pain, but I did not buy (likely more out of the fact I am selling said PS2 next week and FF X-2 is still not finished).

The Students' Union High School Leadership conference has rescued me. Juice and sandwiches.

Total spent today remains $0.00.

Darn Buy Nothing Day. Well, I mean it is good. I believe in doing it, I consume too much. I am the quintessential consumer, and to stop it one day a year, well it is important. But I am thirsty. So thirsty. And as you may or may not know, I don't like water. And I didn't bring juice to work. Will I break and buy a vanilla milkshake or an orange crush slurpee? Or will I crack and get a glass of (yuck!) water? Decisions, decisions, decisions.

:: how nintendo are you? ::

:: how jedi are you? ::

You see that girl? Her name is Paine, and currently she is the source of both much regret, and much joy. Well, more sadness than regret. I realized a little while back that since I finished Devil May Cry, I haven't played much Playstation 2. Well, other than Grand Theft Auto, which I can now buy for my xBox. So, I decided I would sell my Playstation 2. No regrets, a bit of Christmas cash (all told somewhere around $200, way less than I paid of course, but more than enough money in my mind), and slightly more organized area in front of the television. Allie, in her infinite and compassionate wisdom, decided I should rent the only PS2 game coming out in the next year or so on my wishlist - Final Fantasy X-2. Oh. My. Gosh. What a fun game. Only two hours into it, I realize the daunting task in front of me.

Choice one: Finish a monumental and gargantuan role playing game as a rental. 40 hours of playing in three or four days. Days in which I have to work and read in. Or I choose not only to not sell my PS2 and also have to purchase (or receive) Final Fantasy X-2 as well. That would put a $270 dent in Christmas money. So in that spirit, I have decided to sacrifice myself and play through. Sleep be damned. It is for the good of the family that I commit this selfless task. For the first time in my life I am not just playing for myself, I am playing in order to not ruin Christmas. I must now start coffee. And eat.

Yuna, Rikku and Paine (and Allie, for when she is awake), here I come!

It is cold outside. So cold. I went to the "MegaStars" practice yesterday and was lucky to come away with all my limbs and appendages intact. So cold. Cold can't describe it. A rule was adopted at 10:45, Allie and I would leave if either our feet or my hands (I don't have very good gloves) stopped hurting. I was still cold at 3:00 pm at work, after being inside for three hours.

I watched the first game on TV, will do the same for the second game too. And I am just about done fixing the computer! Yay! I wonder what game I will actually play first on my computer tonight...

I'm going to apply for the Independent System Operator Governing Board, that sounds vague enough to be anything! Which member of the Schwarzenegger administration will you apply for?

You are Morpheus, from "The Matrix." You have strong faith in yourself and those around you. A true leader, you are relentless in your pursuit.

What Matrix Persona Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

"In most cases, I totally believe in whatever we can do to move prostitutes away from residential areas. It's out of sight, out of mind."

So long as they are not around me, I can ignore the problem and it doesn't exist? And it isn't like this guy is just some average citizen, he is Ward 3 Councilor Ed Gibbons. I may believe in legalizing prostitution, but no matter where you fall in that argument, I would hope that you would agree that moving the trade isn't the best solution to the victimization and horrendous treatment sex workers receive. There are a billion ways to deal with the problems assocated with prostitution that are better than the status quo, but just sweeping it under the rug simply is not one of them.

Update: Upon greater reflection, I want to tone down my endorsement of Master and Commander - one of the best movies I've seen since 1999: yes. The best movie I've seen since 1999: not quite. But super, super good: oh, yes. Will I be buying it on DVD. Absolutely.

Insane day at work, with my first break of the day being right now. And the work just keeps piling on. And on. And on again.

But the new (and by new, I mean repaired) computer at home makes it all worth it. Honestly, I can't wait to be home, eating roast with my friend, playing with my friend's dog, tinkering on the computer, and then closing my day watching Gangs of New York or the Patriot or something similar. In fact, right now, that is my idea of heaven. Well, and sex. I hate when I daydream in my blog. It makes real work impossible.

We just saw Master and Commander and I have to say, I liked it. More than Kill Bill. More than X-2. More than any film I think I've seen since the 1990's. Maybe not as much as Spirited Away. But an awesome movie to be sure. I'm not sure it is everyone's cup of tea, but I honestly couldn't stop smiling while I was watching it, I was having so much fun.

In other news, Allie is a goddess. And we have an officiant. Who is better than Cosmo. Way better.

The computer is back! I will post more when I finish reloading everything... but I am one happy boy!

Something dangerous has occurred... work has discovered this page. Not that this is the end of the world mind you, given that I rarely blog about work. But it is only a matter of time... or maybe not. I'm really not that interesting. I told one of my superiors about it, he excitedly inquired if I wrote about work... I said I didn't. I'm not sure if he has been back. But this is different... hmm. Well, I will find out. And of course, if you are reading this...

Hello work people!

Viewtiful Joe - one of the best games of the year? What would be the best game of the year? Technically some major contenders still have to come out, not to mention a few won't be played by me this year (such as Final Fantasy X-2) and some won't be played by me ever (Madden 2004 is always mentioned, but I don't do American football). Well, since I am a minor geek and think about this on occassion... the shortlist of potential nominees are:

The Legend of Zelda, the Windwaker (GameCube, Nintendo)
Knights of the Old Republic (xBox, Bioware)
Viewtiful Joe (GameCube, Capcom)
Panzer Dragoon Orta (xBox, Sega)
Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire (Game Boy Advance, Nintendo)
Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution (Playstation 2, Sega)

Some also rans: Soul Calibur II (GameCube, Tecmo), F-Zero GC (GameCube, Sega)

Hmm... I am too much of a geek. Fortunately I have a girlfriend, so the major pitfall of geekiness is saved against. For the curious, there are real industry awards for video games, just like the Oscars. As well, Spike TV is apparently hosting a video game awards show too. I don't get Spike TV, so I will check the results on December 5 online. Their nominees are already up, with their list of nominees being:

Freedom Fighters (EA)
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PC Version) (Rockstar)
Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (Nintendo)
Madden NFL 2004 (EA)
SOCOM II: U.S. Navy Seals (SCEA)
SSX 3 (EA)
Star Wars Galaxies (LucasArts)
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (Ubisoft)
Tony Hawk's Underground (Activision)

For the record (what record? I'm just some guy with a blog), I protest the inclusion of Splinter Cell, as it was indeed released for the xBox in 2002, not 2003. Alas, I don't sit on the directors of Spike TV or whoever picks the winners.

Now this is... well... interesting. Headvertising.

What do I think? Corporations now invading my actual body? Just a slightly more exuberant version of having branded clothing? It is... well... odd. But $150 a week? $600 US a month... not easy to live off of. And most jobs that a university student would get certainly not appreciate the advertising done one their employees. In the end, I think I can safely say I wouldn't do it. But that won't stop me from suggesting the idea to my employer... just kidding! I think...

And of course, another quiz:

Take the What Sex Position Are You? test by Ley Ley

It doesn't necessarily feel like a quiz day, but I took four today (five if you count the one on Allie's behalf...)

You are Domo Kun!

Take the "Which FARK Cliche Are You" quiz!

My Star Wars villain name is Darth Serious. Allie's is Darth Rhythm. Check out the Star Wars Villian name generator!

The idealistic speechwriter is well-liked by just about everyone. He's known for his excellent writing, sense of humor, and tendency to be clutzy. Although being younger than the rest of the staff, he's often treated as so, much to his dismay.

:: Which West Wing character are you? ::

*samurai*

a master of the mystical katana

noble; honorable; deadly

Which Final Fantasy Class Should You Be?

I know, I know, it is Rememberance Day, but I figure that I already posted about Homer and Admiral Ackbar, so this is all good. Today's Penny Arcade is so funny. My sides didn't hurt when I read it the first time or anything, but it certainly is worth sharing.

I tend not to blog about subjects of absolute taboo, but I still can relate to this Onion article. So funny.

And speaking of funny, I'm caught up in thinking of one of my favourite Simpsons' episodes, from the third season, Colonel Homer.

"Marge, you make it sound so seamy. All I did was spend the afternoon in her trailer watching her try on some outfits."

"Oh, Homer! You're as smart as you are handsome!"
"Hey! Oh, you meant that as a compliment."

"It takes two to lie, Marge. One to lie and one to listen."

What is the traditional greeting on Rememberance Day? For Easter it is Happy Easter, Christmas it is Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas, there is Happy Hallowe'en, Happy New Year, etc. I guess, "Lest we forget".

My computer is ready to be picked up, but it will have to wait until Friday. I wonder how long it will take me to set it back up? Days? A week? I also still need to find a new power supply. I don't want to pay more than I have to. Compusmart (the people who diagnosed the problem and replaced my hard drive) said they sell them for $80. I know I can find better than that. But where. I found a place that sold cases with 400W supplies for $50. But that was only on special. Hmm... I should check the papers carefully over the next while.

And because it is so fun to say... "It's a trap!"

A few weeks ago, the Calgary Flames were doing well enough to make the playoffs. That simple. If the playoffs were held at the end of October, my team would have been in it. Today? The Flames lost again yesterday afternoon, meaning they still have only 11 points on the season. Only Pittsburgh and Washington have fewer points in the league. Third last. It is a nightmare from which I haven't woken up from in nine years.

So, I liked the Matrix Revolutions. A lot actually. More than the Matrix Reloaded? No... and certainly not more than the original Matrix, but there was a lot to like all the same. Allie had a small argument over how it ended - I wanted to see a revolution from within the Matrix rather than what happened, but in the end I was content walking out of the theatre. More than I can say for Terminator 3.

And I am famous! At least at WEM Silver City! Star saw us (but foolishly didn't say anything, given that our mutual fame is from the internet only).

Still, perhaps even more exciting, Ain't It Cool News is reporting that the original trilogy of Star Wars is coming out on DVD in September, in a lead up to Episode 3 in summer 2005. WOW! That is great fantastic news. Super duper news. Now, if only Lucasarts would confirm it, then I could get my Force on. "If you only knew the power of the dark side." in Dolby Digital 5.1? With extras like the Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones had? If this blog really were rated NC-17 I would be explaining how I have to go change my pants right now.

My life is rated NC-17.
What is your life rated?

Wow. I never thought my life would have the same rating as Kim. Interesting.

I feel better today, which is good. And I'm skipping work early to go see The Matrix Revolutions. And if you are from work reading this, I am infact taking time in lieu from last Friday, Halloween, when I stayed until 6:30.

Joe, the Betta Fish
We hardly knew you, rest in peace

I am sick, I have no fish (although Raven's are doing great). This is not the best of all days. But I got to see Cathy again, but only briefly as I was sick and had to stay in bed. I should really find out what the sick policy is at work, as I would be better off at home.

Sarah, Sarah, Sarah

Soon, I will be home and will listen to the new CD.

First of all, the new design looks like ass on a Mac (Mac OS X, both with Safari and Microsoft Internet Explorer). Horrible and unreadable. Now, other than people who look at my site at work, do I know anyone who uses a Mac? Enough to try and fix the problem?

Second, a great quiz from Rea:

43.75 %

My weblog owns 43.75 % of me.
Does your weblog own you?

Interesting. And there were some scary questions on the quiz.

Edit: I have sort of fixed it so Macs can see it, but to what effect at home? Who knows.

So here it is, a new template! I say a, rather than the because I am not 100% sure I am going to keep it. After all, all those thinking I was going to abandon the nipples, this certainly is a let-down. Naturally, if you like them, they are still very much here. Yay boobies!

There are other problems with the template, such as mine line breaks aren't working quite as well in the posts as I would like. Hmm... maybe this will just be one of a few options. We shall see.

Also note - new comments! Are the old ones gone you ask... well technically no, but only I have access to them. In theory, I will make an archive template and have them accessible there, but I'm not making that choice until I have decided I really do like this template. But hopefully these comments will serve me better than the old ones.

Finally, I have a new pet, and Raven has four. Fish! I have a stunning blue and red betta fighting fish. His temporary name is Joe. It may change. We'll have to see what his personality says. I may try and post a picture later today.

CNN - Another 15 American troops dead.

In the grand scheme of military casualties, the Americans are still doing very well, but really, is this the operation we were all thinking it would be? Well, some people thought it would be, but it certainly doesn't sound like the shock and awe Rumsfeld told us to expect. It sounds more like when I take over cities in Civilization III and they are always in revolt, no matter what I do.

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