tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83289719152740087222024-03-05T03:25:51.681-06:00One One SevenThe musings of one person, in the impossible journey to change the world.Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-47785445900710197032012-05-13T12:40:00.000-05:002012-05-23T14:44:02.608-05:00Deadbeat Summer Hey all! It's been far too long now since I last wrote, and I mean actually wrote, rather than a bunch of new and fantastic songs for you to try out. But I've been quite busy as of late, and not the interesting and relevant busy. Well, tiny bits here and there, but not worth devoting an entire blog to. No, I've just been trying to finish this semester strong to raise my overall GPA and be better set for my last year at SIU. And so far it's been paying off. Three of five of my final grades have come in and they're all A's, so let's hope that keeps up with the last two. Wait... Now I'm talking about the boring stuff. School's over and that's reason enough to talk about it. Let's move onto what's in store for next three months.<br />
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<b>The New Hobby:</b><br />
Matt came down in April with a few friends to go hiking and camping in Giant City Park, then continuing their camping and hiking out at few other places. Matt invited me to go out with them, since they were only in town for the day. So, after class, I went out there for the first time, got lost for like an hour trying to find where exactly to go, and met up with them. Evidently they had already gone on a trail or two and had gone free climbing, which has become Matt's new hobby. We checked out a drying waterfall, with only a small stream of water coming down the large rocky steps that layered on top of one another. From there we went on another trail where we got to see a snake and sit on cliff, and bask in the sun. I found the whole experience to be very pleasant.<br />
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I found it so enjoyable that I've started going back by myself and go on hikes through the forrest. I really feel like it's something that I should have been into my entire life. I remember being into nature and hiking when I was really young, but I guess that stopped when I got into videogames. Being back in nature, where it's so quite, is such fantastic place to visit when you to get away from the usual day of sitting around or going to class. It's good to be back in it. It's definitely going to be something I do throughout the summer.<br />
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In the meantime, while I'm here for the next week or two, I'll be spending a large amount of time out there and enjoy the lack of phone service, videogames, internet, and television (even though I don't care to watch tv). I started my first day of summer (which was yesterday), heading out to Giant City and hiking the entire day. Unfortunately I was unable to really continue my hiking because the park was getting crowded with graduation parties and the trails were becoming a little congested, which I am not a fan of. I like to take it slow, explore side paths, and taking in the surroundings for many minutes on end. Luckily the path I was on was a two-hour hike, so at least I got in a fair bit. Plus, I found the perfect walking stick in a dried up riverbed. It's just the right height for my hand and the bark where my hand is hugs the stick, so it's like a hand grip. It was so helpful that I took it back home with me.<br />
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It shall be my new trekking companion. Maybe I should give it a name.<br />
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<b>A New Face:</b><br />
In April, I had a new guest come down. I've been talking with a girl that works at my dad's company, named Stefany. I invited her down for the weekend, and she was totally down for it. We planned a number of things, from going to Giant City to going to see Titanic 3D. She had been wanting to see it and hadn't gotten around to seeing it yet. The weather was supposed to be good but it ended up being overcast and cold, which sucked for Stefany because she was planning for warm weather... We improvised though, and we went to Hobby Lobby and got painting supplies and we painted in my kitchen. Painting is one of her hobbies and talents. She's quite good, while mine are on par with a child's depiction of Halo.<br />
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She said she had a great time and we've made plans for the summer to spend time with each other during the summer.</div>
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<b>Summer time is Halo time:</b><br />
With Halo 4 slowly looming closer, and with news coming out more and more frequently, I felt that this summer, like last summer, would be filled with Halo. Taking center stage to keep the Halo momentum going is my Halo Mega Marathon.<br />
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The<span style="background-color: black;"> <span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">summer-long Halo Mega Marathon includes any and all official Halo Canon, and all in chronological order. Certain bits towards the end don't even arrive until the fall and winter, so technically, this runs throughout the rest of the year, but the bulk of it will be my summer and will be leading up to PAX Prime and, </span><strong style="line-height: 18px;">hopefully</strong><span style="line-height: 18px;">, Halo Fest 2012. Yes, I still have hope that Halo Fest will make a return.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; line-height: 18px;">I don't have an exact starting date yet, as I'll be having Dan and Chris staying here with me next week and I may have plans to go fishing with my cousin and frequent hiking trips. So I'm waiting for a few days where I have nothing going on to begin. I also have no intervalled schedule, so it's possible that I become very absorbed in the whole thing that I end it in like... a month. I'll just be trying to spread things far enough apart so that it lasts the whole summer. Here's the lineup:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; line-height: 18px;">* = Completed</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">*1. Halo 3: The Cradle of Life</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">*2. Halo Legends (Part 1) [The Duel]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">*3. Halo: The Fall of Reach (Part 1) [Which ends after the capture of Colonel Watts]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">*4. Halo: Contact Harvest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">*5. Halo: Evolutions (Part 1) [Pariah]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">*6. Halo: The Fall of Reach (Part 2) [Which ends just before the OP: RED FLAG briefing]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">*7. Halo: Legends (Part 2) [The Babysitter, Homecoming, The Package, Prototype]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">*8. Halo: Genesis</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">*9. Halo: Ghosts of Onyx (Part 1) [Which ends before the battle of Earth]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">*10. Halo: Evolutions (Part 2) [Stomping on the Heels of a Fuss, Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian, Dirt, Headhunters, Blunt Instruments, The Impossible Life and Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">11. Halo Wars</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">12. Halo: The Cole Protocol (Boo! Can I skip this one?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">13. Halo: Blood Line</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">14. Halo: Reach</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">15. Halo: A Fistful of Arrows
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">16. Halo: The Fall of Reach (Part 3)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">17. Halo: Katherine Halsey's Journal</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">18. Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary (And maybe "The Flood" in between playing...)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">19. Halo Graphic Novel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">20. Halo: First Strike</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">21. Halo 2 (Part 1) [Which ends after leaving New Mombasa]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">22. Halo: Helljumper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">23. Halo 3: ODST</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">24. Halo: Ghosts of Onyx (Part 1) [Which ends when Blue Team is en route to Onyx]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">25. Halo 2 (Part 2)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">26. Halo: Ghosts of Onyx (Part 2)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">27. Halo: Uprising</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">28. Halo: Evolutions (Part 3) [Human Weakness, The Mona Lisa]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">29. Halo 3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">30. Halo Legends (Part 3) [Origins I & II]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">31. Halo: Evolutions (Part 4) [The Return, From the Office of Dr. Arthur Iqbal]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">32. Halo: Glasslands</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">33. Halo: The Thursday War (which comes out October 2nd)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">34. Halo: Cryptum</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">35. Halo: Primordium</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">36. Halo: Forward Unto Dawn</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">37. Halo 4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">38. Halo 4: Spartan Ops</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">39. Halo: [Last Forerunner Saga book] (which presumably comes out in early January)</span></div>
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As you can see, I'm breaking up certain books into sections that have other items in between. I want it all to a relatively strict chronological order, because certain sections in books where the bulk isn't the main story can be pretty long, so I'm just making them smaller stories. An interesting side effect that I'm excited to see are moments that refer to past events that I've read about before or even certain lines in dialogue being referenced much farther down the line from when I'd normally hear it. What I'm excited about is if the moments feel more meaningful and far more intertwined than normal.<br />
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Past that, though, I'll return to working on my very large Halo megabloks diorama that will sit beneath the shelves that house most of my collection. Although, I think I'm not going to do it the way I originally planned, which was carving foam and painting and gluing shit, and just really making it a big project, and an incredibly messy one at that. No, I think I'm going to take advantage of those Halo megabloks battlescapes for this. It's just too simply and easy not to do. Sure, I sacrifice the realistic aspect, as well as the type of environment I wanted, but I could tell after the first night of working on it that this wasn't going to end the way I want it and I've made a mistake, not to mention wasting a lot of time and money on the materials...<br />
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In my last actual blog, I briefly talked about a video I had started working on. Well, since then, I finished working on it. I spent far longer on it than I had anticipated, but it really made a difference, and it shows. I posted it all around the internet, including Halo.Bungie.Org and Halowaypoint.com. It was featured on both sites and that helped views count shoot through the roof, or at least for me. Within the first 3 days, it got almost 1800 views, and people seem to really be diggin' it. It may seem a bit egotistical as well as show a real need for attention and devotion, but I went around and looked for positive comments on it, looking for ones that sounded similar to the ones I imagined there would be when I was making it. And find them I did. Normally I don't care for gloating, but when it comes to artistic work of mine, or in as much as I just edited footage to go along with the song, I care very deeply how others view it, especially when it's something that's supposed to be beautiful and awe-striking, rather than the exciting tones of videos I've put together in the past.<br />
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I have succeeded.</div>
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The video can be seen here: <a href="http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/post/2012/05/09/Astronomic-The-Epic-Scale-of-the-Halo-Universe-A-Halo-Machinima.aspx" target="_blank">http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/post/2012/05/09/Astronomic-The-Epic-Scale-of-the-Halo-Universe-A-Halo-Machinima.aspx</a></div>
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I'll admit though, that while I loved that people liked my video, I was really hoping for more actual responses to me from my Halo friends, both in real life, and on twitter, and only a small fraction of both groups did... It just kind of makes me sad because they're the ones that I wanted to see it the most, and whose praise I was hoping to get most of all because that means more to me than a bunch of random people on the internet...</div>
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But it is what it is. The work on this will help me prepare more for the summer, not to mention my planned career. This summer, I, along with some of my best friends will be continuing work on the machinima I came up with over Spring Break. We still need to put together a formal script, go through production, record lines, and then spend a bunch of time editing it, before releasing to the masses. </div>
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I don't remember what all I've said about this yet, but the story takes place in the Halo universe, and is not a stand-alone story. Well, it is, but this story starts after a specific part in the Halo: Reach campaign. It follows a squad of ODSTs that are hopelessly defending Reach, which is burning to glass. More details as things get moving on this mini-series, which is planned to be in three parts.</div>
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In July, I make my way out to San Diego Comic Con. This will be my fourth year going and just like every year, I'm there for Halo. If you've read my Halo story blog posts, you'll know that SDCC has held a lot of major moments for me and Halo. Apparently this year they'll be showing off the new live-action mini-series 'Halo: Forward Unto Dawn,' which is supposed to lead us into the release of Halo 4. I can't wait to see it and my friends from 343i, as well as a few friends that I've met at past conventions.<br />
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In August, I'll once again be heading to the west coast, but this time to Seattle, my future home, for PAX Prime, and hopefully Halo Fest 2012. Last year was my first time there, due to Halo Fest and I loved it so much that I wanted to make it a yearly thing like SDCC. There, I'd be seeing almost all of my Halo/Twitter friends and we'd all be enjoying Halo together, as well as hanging out with those from 343i. It'll be much different from last year though, because last year, I never even got to see the actual PAX Prime show floor, as I spent my entire time at Halo Fest.<br />
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<b>Losing the Weight:</b><br />
On June 30th of last year, I got a lap band put in just above my stomach. If you don't know, the lap band goes around the tube that connects to the stomach. When the lap band is inflated, it closes that tube more. The purpose of the whole thing is to lose weight, and lose I have.<br />
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Since I started, I've lost a total of over 90 lbs, and the 100 lb mark is coming up quickly. My goal since this whole thing started was to lose 100 lbs by the one-year mark, and it looks like I'm going to be able to do it with time to spare.<br />
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Throughout the summer I plan on continuing my weight loss by swimming in my pool back home on a regular basis, hiking when and where I am able to, and start practicing more on my footwork in dancing, which should become easier with the more weight I lose.<br />
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<b>Feeling Nostalgic:</b><br />
Finally, I've been feeling nostalgic lately, particularly about the days when I would collect and play Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG. I definitely don't want to get back into the actual game because it's a ton of money, but I do want to recreate a couple of my favorite decks that I made when I was younger. It's still a bit of money, but it's kind of a one-time fee, that won't continue for years on end. I just want to make the decks and put them in some sort of nice deck case. I was imagining a wooden case with a glass face, and on the inside would be three impressions that would house each deck.<br />
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I am generally one to sell stuff after I realize I won't use that stuff anymore. I always see older people mention how they wish that they had some of their favorite toys from when they were children, kind of like in <i>The Santa Clause. </i>I thought that rather than sell all my stuff away, I would keep certain toys that were particularly special to me, like my old Jurassic Park velociraptor figure, and I would have those memoirs to keep displayed or something.<br />
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So that's what I've got going my way for the next three months. It should be quite the adventure. I'll leave you with a fantastic song that goes absolutely perfect with great weather and being outside. This is "Deadbeat Summer," by Neon Indian. Enjoy!<br />
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Until next time...Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-44000595650666153702012-04-26T17:45:00.001-05:002012-04-26T17:49:36.205-05:00Recently Added #2 Hey all! Boy has it been a while since I posted last. I've been quite busy with school and sitting around and doing nothing. There was also some hiking, had a weekend guest, fought off sharks, learned to fly, and saved the universe, but I'll get to those in another post sometime soon. In the meantime, I've just downloaded a bunch of new songs on itunes by new artists that I found on tuneglue.com. I've mentioned it in the past, but if you don't know what it is, you just type any given band or musical artist in the search bar and then you can expand it to find similar artists. So once again I've come in with a fresh new stock of music to listen and dance to on an almost-constant basis, and boy am I enjoying it. I enjoy it so much, in fact, that I felt I would share the wonderful noises to anyone who will listen. Enjoy!<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Bag Raiders</u> </div>
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(My current favorite)</div>
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'Sunlight' (ft. Dan Black)</div>
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'Shooting Stars'</div>
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'So Demanding'</div>
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'Way Back Home'</div>
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<b><u>Holy Ghost!</u></b></div>
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'Do It Again'</div>
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'Jam For Jerry' (An absolutely fantastic song)</div>
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'Hold On'</div>
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<b><u>Miami Horror</u></b></div>
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'Holidays' (ft. John Palomo)</div>
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'Sometimes'</div>
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'Moon Theory'</div>
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<b><u>Pnau</u></b></div>
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'Embrace'</div>
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I also watched Finding Nemo last week and realized that I love the theme song, so I'll post that too.</div>
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'Nemo Egg'</div>
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Well, that's all for now. Hope you enjoyed the tunes as much as I did. Until next time...</div>
Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-85261539429928271432012-03-26T21:40:00.003-05:002012-03-26T21:41:30.326-05:00Go Outside Hey all and welcome back! It's been a while since I've done an actual blog post and I felt that in order to continue my blog, I obviously have to write something. That has recently, I'll admit, been difficult for me. Since Spring Break started back on March 9th, I haven't had all that much going on, or at least, enough built up to write a substantial blog's worth. I'm also using this post as a sort of experiment for future blog posts. This blog, and possibly from now on, I'll be segmenting my blog up into chapter-like sections, similar to my Halo Story posts. So let's start by getting caught up.<br />
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My reasoning for this change is mostly for my purposes. I usually get caught up in just talking about what's going on in my life, which is okay and all, but part of why I started this blog was to also talk about Halo, which seems to be my most popular topic, as well as philosophical topics that I find myself thinking about, which is seen on my blog next to never... So, this is all to give me more organization and not to spin off into topics which some don't seem to find nearly as engaging. From now on, I'll be trying to cover a larger variety of topics for people to read.<br />
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<b>-Story Time:</b><br />
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Well, I haven't written anything in my blog since my Spring break, so let's start with how that week went, shall we? In short, my spring break was just the sort of vacation I needed. Throughout this semester, I've been finding myself less and less motivated in school work. Granted, this semester is easier that others, if only on the basis that three of my, then four but now, five classes are very closely related, and because of that, so is the work. The downside of that perk though is that I then do not feel nearly as challenged in those classes... My math class is a bit of a joke, so, again, there's not much for me to pay attention to. Anyway, because of this lack of motivation and a build up of midterms, I was pretty stressed by the end of the first half of the semester, and with my hardest week looming ever closer (but we'll talk about that later). The week-long break was great for pulling myself back together and getting back on track with certain things, many things, in fact. (After reading this paragraph, this is a very good example of how I start on a tangent and get very off topic... *sigh*)<br />
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My break was spent with my friends, whom I saw about every day and evening of break. Matt and I spent a lot of time driving around and catching up and doing outdoor activities, which started a semi-hiatus from the internet. I also came up with two new video ideas with his help, but I'll get to that later.<br />
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I also got back into a small hobby I picked up over summer- Giant bubble blowing. The weather was spectacular and it was a good opportunity to bring out the "wand." What the "wand" really is, is two sticks with a short cotton rope connecting them together with a much longer one below, that also connecting them together. One afternoon, Matt and I went out to the yard and a few neighbors stopped and just sat there watching me make my giant bubbles.<br />
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My inspiration for my bubble hobby</div>
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Me out on my deck, making giant bubbles for all to enjoy.</div>
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My St. Patrick's Day was fairly interesting. I got a green button-down shirt for a party Colin's family was having that night. Everyone says that the shirt makes me look Alan Grant from Jurassic Park. I'm okay with this, although I was hoping for more of a handsome look instead of going-on-a-safari look. At the party, I got to hang out with Colin, Dan, Chris, Kozi, Terry, and Siegel, who, for some reason, I hadn't expected to be there. Later on, they talked me into going to White Castle with them. I got chicken rings, ate one and a half, and then realized that I shouldn't have done it because it wasn't going to be staying down... I was driving us back when I realized that at any moment, it was all going to come back up. We pulled over into an empty Chipotle parking lot where I got out as quick as I could and began... uh, well... vomiting. While doing so, a cop car pulled in and came up right next to us. The first thing out of his mouth was "How much have you been drinking tonight?" Oh course... It was St. Patrick's Day, it's like 1:00 AM and I'm hunched over outside my car throwing up in an empty parking lot... figures. I had to explain that I don't like to drink and how this was all a misunderstanding because of my lap band surgery. Afterwards, we went back to Colin's to let everyone get their cars before heading home. </div>
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Before leaving, however, "Icarus," by Madeon came on and Dan decided to start dancing. We decided to carry this over into the street outside Colin's house. It was delightfully fun, because before Spring Break started, I'd been having issues with not being able to dance like usual. I was being much less into the music and whatnot, but that has since passed. Aside from that, I also out-danced Dan, who is much more in shape that I. It was then that I realized that dancing was actually really helping my stamina and endurance. It's also been evident in my new Soccer class and when I was also able to out-dance Mike when I was in St. Louis this past Thursday for the Andrew Bird Concert, which was amazing to hear live, especially since he played one of my favorite songs:</div>
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"Tables and Chairs," by Andrew Bird</div>
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My sister, Lizz, and cousin, Pat, also came down this weekend, and boy I miss it already. Again, I didn't spend much of any time on the internet, not only because Lizz's air mattress was blocking my desk, but because I didn't have much of any time. We hung out with Scott and Michael, who are also our cousins, and Pat's brothers. Most notable from the weekend, at least for me, was going fishing and realizing how much I enjoyed it. I don't really get out of my house that much because no one really ever wants to go do things and I don't know what is around here... So, from now on, I think I'm going to be spending my weekends down here on one of the many lakes that I've finally realized are very beautiful and peaceful.<br />
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<b>-In the Internet World:</b><br />
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Honestly, nothing has been going on in the internet for me. Like I said, I've barely been on at all the past couple weeks, and it's left me feeling awkward and distant from those that I normally talk to on twitter and such. I'll say that I don't like the fact that I haven't talked to anyone on there really, but at the same time, it's not in the forefront of my mind, not to mention how much I've been enjoying my time while NOT on the internet. If this continues, I'm not too sure how I'll end up. I don't want to lose my focus on my relationships with those that I feel connected with, but actually getting out and doing stuff has been so great, and rather therapeutic, in a sense. I wonder, despite how one connects with so many others over the internet, that if I gave it up, like I have pretty much done with television, I would be happier? I'll just have to keep it in mind for the next few weeks and test it out. Only time will tell.<br />
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<b>-Gaming:</b><br />
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The last game that I played extensively was Mass Effect 3. I have done everything in the game except for the last two missions, and ME3 isn't a game that I'll be replaying for a while. I know the current endings already, but with the uproar by fans about the seemingly terrible ending, Bioware has said it will be changing the endings to give them more closure. Since I already know each ending, I've put the end of my ME3 save on hiatus until the new endings are out. I know I can just make another save file, but honestly, I'm not THAT invested in Mass Effect as it is. I know the endings, but they're getting changed, so I'm just going to wait it out.<br />
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Past that, I've been playing Draw Something, so if you'd like to play with me, create a game with me through facebook, because I don't know what my username is, or if I even have one when using facebook to login.<br />
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<b>-Halo News:</b><br />
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Over break, Matt played a song in his car by m83, called, "Outro." You may recognize it from the Red Bull commercial where various athletes are doing jumps and flips in slow motion and are inter-cut with each other. The song is a giant build up and feels very... epic throughout. All I could imagine, especially near the end, was Halo and the sense of scale you feel throughout every game. So, I'm making it. I've already began cutting clips together and when it's done, I think people's mouths will be agape, going "Woah..." It's not like my usual trailer work that I've done before, where it focuses in on the characters and actions, but instead focuses on the scale of the Halo universe and the beauty of the structures, and the feeling that we are so small compared to everything going on. The problem is that since last Thursday, I don't feel like I have much of any time to work on until after April 3rd, due to school work. In the meantime, I thought I'd officially announce it instead of hinting at it on twitter. Maybe I'm revealing too much, but since I can't work on it for another week, I thought I'd at least give you that.<br />
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The song during this trailer is "Outro," by m83</div>
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I also came up with a machinima video that, if all everything goes smoothly, will be in production in the summer. So far, I only have a relatively short scene outline written up. Those few that have read it so far have told me that it's actually pretty good, so I'm pretty happy about that. But, like the "Outro" video, working on it has been put on hold due to school work... I've been trying to come up with a fitting subtitle to it, but it's proving to be much more difficult that many other naming endeavors. A couple titles I have in mind are "Halo: In Bonum Omnium," which is my personal favorite, although the word 'Bonum' has understandably left people making jokes. That's the ONLY problem with it in my mind. Otherwise, it's short and leaves the audience wondering what it means, whether it be in English or in Latin, which I felt was rather fitting for it considering the themes and the ties the title has. I also had "Halo: Ad Legionem," but I'm not a fan of saying 'Legionem' and it doesn't give the same impression on me that the first one does. So right now, I'm still on a quest to find a shorter way of saying "Consequentialism." If any of you have any suggestions, please comment! I'm always open to suggestion.</div>
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In actual Halo news, a magazine cover was leaked which details Halo 4 and the new enemies (SPOILERS?), which may turn out to be the Forerunners themselves, or their constructs, which I have been speculating on for a LONG time now (yes, this is my stroking my ego and being proud of myself). If you'd like to see, check out: <a href="http://jakewhlr117.tumblr.com/post/19978080931/empresscortana-halo-4-u-mad" target="_blank">http://jakewhlr117.tumblr.com/post/19978080931/empresscortana-halo-4-u-mad</a><br />
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<b>-Philosophical Concepts:</b><br />
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This is something that I really feel I don't do enough of on here. I started out fairly well in this area, but as I said above, I have found the focus of this blog to be more and more of just an e-journal with the occasional Halo 4 news and speculation. And, as a Philosophy major, I feel somewhat obliged to at least bring up certain concepts, discussions, or even stray thoughts that I may have.<br />
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On the car ride back from spring break, I was thinking about how people with rather dark pasts seem to be considered the adults with the most character, assuming of course, that they bring themselves out of that darkness into a more... civil and social person that is more of a part of society. An example of this would be a former hard drug addict or something. They seem to have the craziest stories and people seem to remember stuff like that.<br />
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On the subject of the institution of punishment, we need to ask ourselves if punishment is okay to do, because when we punish someone, we are effectively doing the same thing that the one being punished has done- setting back the interests of others. In the Deontological defense, Hegel proposes a thought experiment for us. Imagine that Humans are naturally a part of the rational world, where things make sense to us, and how we understand everything. When we harm someone, by which I mean setting back the interests of someone, we figuratively step into another world. This world is irrational and does not make any sort of sense to us. Up is down, black is white, everything is backwards. The Deontologist justifies punishment by saying that when we step over into the irrational world, we must be punished in order to be brought back to the rational world. From this standpoint, punishment is considered an honor, rather than an all out negative.<br />
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So while I was driving, I considered Hegel's thought experiment and came up with an interesting conclusion. Often, we find ourselves happiest when we simply go back to normal from a place of punishment. Do we not feel most grateful when we are taken from shitty circumstances and brought back to normal? How often have you found yourself saying, "Boy, I'm glad <i>that's</i> over?" Probably enough times to make my point valid. Sure, we achieve a great bit of happiness when we are taken from normal to extraordinary, but it's a different happiness, more fleeting and temporary, and generally, I'd venture to guess that such circumstances would not leave us with much of a lesson or anything to take with us for future experiences and reference. I think at least part of why that is, is because when we are punished, we know understand and recognize actions that are considered irrational and begin to familiarize ourselves to the rational world, where the deontologist would say we "belong."<br />
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The question I'm leading up to is this: Is it rational (logical) for Humans to act irrationally in order to bring ourselves further along? The more irrationality we experience, the more punishment we get, the more learning takes place, and potentially, the more civilized and more intelligent we will become? As Thomas Wayne says in <i>Batman Begins</i>, "Why do we fall down? So we can pick ourselves back up."<br />
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Now, let's be clear here, I don't necessarily mean for people to take this and go intentionally harming anyone, and I don't necessarily mean conventional punishment like prison or any physical punishment (although they are definitely applicable too). For most, I'm referring to everyday punishment: work, school, practicing anything. We must pay our dues to achieve a lasting happiness.<br />
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It sounds vaguely like I'm concluding this thought process, but I keep the thought open to any variables that could change the outcome. What I mean to do from all of this is ask simply, 'Is it rational for us to act irrationally, considering the potential outcomes?'<br />
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<b>-In my plans:</b><br />
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Now, I must go back to planning homework for the rest of the week. I have two papers due and an essay exam all on April 3rd, followed by a Math exam on the 6th. I'm trying to get the papers done asap, but I don't have the prompt for one until tomorrow and the website for a survey that needs to be completed for the other is currently down, which has delayed that paper by at least a day, which is at least a day later than when I wanted it done by. Chances are that I won't be writing much until after then.<br />
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So, for now, I'll leave you with "Go Outside," by Cults. Enjoy!<br />
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Until next time...Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-13417340050536199032012-03-13T01:33:00.003-05:002012-03-13T01:35:32.889-05:00Sæglópur (Dream Journals #4)<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> Hey all! I recently came across a bunch of dream journals that I wrote throughout the summer and fall of 2010 and some scattered throughout 2011. I started reading through some of them I found them mostly bizarre, non-sensical, and hilarious. So I'm going to post one or two everyday until there are no more. So without further adieu, I present my dreams. There are obviously some that are NSFW, so I won't be posting those. Sorry, folks.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">[Note: At points, I may add my own commentary from now, usually to fill in context. I will put this commentary in brackets, like so.]</span><br />
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October 21st, 2010<br />
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I had won another big Halo contest [apparently I was foretelling the future] and got to work with Rooster Teeth in a Red vs Blue promo. While I'm there, I talk to Burnie about getting a job there and he says that if I do well with this, he would reconsider. So, then I'm controlling my guy in Halo and for some reason, there's a live studio audience behind us... Anyway, I say my line but I accidentally bob the character's head way too much. Gavin, who was directing, starts freaking out at me because I screwed up, yelling at me that I failed and to get out of his sight. I try to resolve the situation and ask why we can't just do it again. He screams, "NO! YOU HAD ONE CHANCE AND YOU FUCKED IT UP! GET OUT!!" I look over at Burnie, looking for help, but he's just looking down and shaking his head. I was so confused and so sad... I walked out without finishing the promo and I failed my test to work at Rooster Teeth...<br />
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January 1st, 2011<br />
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I'm late to one of my random high school classmate's grad party across the lake that we both apparently live on [He actually does live on a lake, but I don't]. I'm try to get ready and everything together to leave. I have flashes of the party as if I'm already there, but then I'm suddenly back at my house across the lake. I look across the lake and I see three wooden warships coming towards my house. The warships are filled with bees, come to sting us all to death. The dream ends with flashes of throwing molotov cocktails onto the ships and burning the ships and bees to death.<br />
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May 10th, 2011<br />
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I was eating lunch with my family at, I think, Cheesecake Factory. I clenched up my face for some reason [Think Hiro, from Heroes], and my skin became black and blue like an x-ray and then I became invisible. Overjoyed with this new ability, I went around doing all sorts of things whilst invisible [Except for the one thing any normal person would do, which is spy on people]. It was the coolest thing ever. Later on, I came back to my family, who was still at Cheesecake Factory, and they told me that I actually wasn't invisible and that everyone that I encountered was just playing along. I could no longer turn invisible and I was furious. I woke up, tried again, went back to sleep and tried a third time and it still didn't work...<br />
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[Now, I know my dreams up to this point have been a little all over the place, and a couple (the very first one in particular) may have left anyone who read feeling very awkward and uncomfortable. For that, you have my apologies. That wasn't intended... But past all of that, my dreams have been very random and weird, but this last dream was one that I found was a very... profound one for me. I was originally going to have this its own post, but I thought it was a fitting end to the Dream Journals.]<br />
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October 31st, 2010 [Yes, 2010, not 2011]<br />
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I am sitting in my friend's house with him and a couple others. I am also feeling much... better, than normal, but it begins to become something else. The slightest movement or adjustment I make sends bolts of electricity through my body. I can feel anything and everything my body does. We are watching Jackass 2.5, I think. Soon, I've lost all focus on the movie and am now just rolling my feet because of the intense feeling that it sends through me. Slowly moving up as my muscles tense up and I feel paralyzed. I can only imagine the electricity surging through me as a rainbow, changing color as it moves up my spine. My posture changes with the feeling as it moves up to my neck. I feel like I can't move anything. I realize I'm holding my breath. It's in my unmoving neck, in my throat, until finally I exhale sparkling lights and particles, blinking different colors. So pretty, and so real.<br />
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Something happens with the movie that has all but disappeared to me. People laugh, and I can feel their laughter on my skin. It feels like soft bubbles popping upon impact, sending a wave of rainbow electricity through me again [This phenomenon is called Synesthesia, which is the crossing of sense perception.]. Nothing has ever made me feel so good in my life. I feel myself sinking into the big comfy chair in which I reside. I could stay here forever. Is my mind racing? Or is it that things are getting slower?<br />
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The world starts becoming darker. A shadow begins to consume my vision. Tiny black tentacles lead the charge, flailing as they take my sight. My eyes are closing, but I can't stop them from doing so. I'm giving up control of myself to this sensation. I am floating in a black abyss, silent and alone. Is this to be my fate for the rest of eternity? I want to get out, but I can't. I pull my phone out, and fight to keep my eyes open even the slightest bit so that I can text my friend about what is happening to me. I need to get these messages out. It feels like it's been so long since this all started...<br />
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I'm suddenly pulled upwards by the base of my neck, through black clouds that is seemingly unending. Faster and faster my body is thrust, until I break through. I see the horizon of the planet begin to curve as I move up, still accelerating. Finally, I slow to a stop. I look down and I see Earth rotating. I am in the atmosphere. I look up and around. The sun is bright, the stars are plentiful, and the galaxy is more beautiful than I've ever seen it on Earth. But such a sight did not last long.<br />
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Like waves against a shore, rainbows begin washing over space, trailing thick black smoke behind it, until another rainbow wave washed over it again. This, more than anything else I've ever seen has got to be the most unusual and gorgeous thing I've ever seen. If only such waves did exist. The black smoke, however, gave me a feeling of uneasiness, or more rather, sadness. Decaying rainbows turning into so unlike what it is in movement... I can hear soft chimes all around me. They're soothing, but soon I begin to hear some semblance of children's laughter, which was rather off-putting for me. It became a little creepy, but it disappeared soon enough. I try to move through space, but to no avail. I am simply floating above planet Earth as it rotates silently in giant bubble made of black smoke and rainbows.<br />
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Seconds turn into minutes, which turn into hours, which turn into days, until eventually, I realize that I'm never leaving this place. Entire years go by, I have begun forgetting about the life I had before this... The only thing I have here is something I strove for in my past life- a place to observe people objectively. So it is here, where I will understand Humanity and their history in real time.<br />
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Billions of years go by. I am still here, unable to do anything but watch. I do not age, and I cannot do anything to even end my life. I am stuck. I've seen entire civilizations rise and fall before my eyes. Everyone I once knew is dead. They are but fleeting memories. I can hardly remember any details about them. I send messages back in time through my phone to people who no longer exist... Everything seems unchanging. Eventually, Humans die out, destroyed by their own hands... At this point though, my study is now useless. I still remain floating above an empty planet, ruined by those who ruled it. More years of silence. I've become a mad man, a shadow of my former self. I've given up any and all hope that anything will change. Until, finally, it does.<br />
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I rotate my body to look behind me. There is a crack in the clouds, opening, blossoming with light. I'm already crying at the sight of it. This is it. This is the end. The crack is now a full circle, and beyond the opening, a vast land made of clouds bathed in golden light. More than anything, I know that this is the land of those divine beings that Humans worshipped so. A ray of light shines directly on me, the last Human. A giant hand reaches outwards from the golden light, waiting for me to take hold and move on. I take out my phone one last time, to tell her sorry, and to tell him to tell everyone that I loved them in life. It's time to move on, and to become something no other person ever could- a god, a divine representation of the world that died long before me.<br />
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I'm scared- frightened of what will come, frightened to leave everything I ever knew behind. Truly, this is a new dimension that I am being invited into. I must be brave. I take the hand, knowing that there is nothing else to do. Together, we go past the clouds into the heaven I thought never existed, boldly going where no other has gone before, doing what no other has done before, becoming something no one else ever could. I close my eyes as we pass through, and then I wake up...<br />
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Until next time...Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-83474953538956379682012-03-08T08:35:00.000-06:002012-03-08T08:35:37.966-06:00Dream Journals #3<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> Hey all! I recently came across a bunch of dream journals that I wrote throughout the summer and fall of 2010 and some scattered throughout 2011. I started reading through some of them I found them mostly bizarre, non-sensical, and hilarious. So I'm going to post one or two everyday until there are no more. So without further adieu, I present my dreams. There are obviously some that are NSFW, so I won't be posting those. Sorry, folks.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">[Note: At points, I may add my own commentary from now, usually to fill in context. I will put this commentary in brackets, like so.]</span><br />
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September 20th, 2010<br />
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Robert Downey Jr., my mom, and I [Why does Robert Downey Jr. keep popping up in my dreams? Get out of here.] were making a giant lego Harry Potter cake. It had the castle in the background and the Quidditch pitch in the front, but my mom accidentally cut the cake wrong and the cake was backwards [If you're confused by this, don't worry- I am too]. We somehow managed to completely fix it without having to rebake it or cutting it. The finished product was super awesome amazing. These other two douches were helping us also. I had to pee really badly and I pissed in one of their beer cans and I think he drank it [I feel like a 5-year old wrote this...]. I then went out with Downey to learn what it was like to be him. He was like the hard-ass good guy [What the fuck does that even mean?!]. We drove around a bunch and then he got a call. His friend, who was an elderly woman named Maevis [*facepalm* Of course that's what I named her.]. Maevis was in her late 80s and was just diagnosed with terminal cancer. She also was refusing treatment. We drove over to a tent hospital where she apparently was. Maevis' daughter and grand daughter were standing outside. Downey walked in while I stayed outside waiting with Maevis' family. Inside, it sounded like he was beating the shit out of her. He wasn't actually punching her though. He was yelling at her to stay alive and fight it. It just sounded like punching [*shrug*]. He walked back outside and I could hear her life-support machines blinking faster, which I could only presume meant that she had found the will to live... or something. The mom, her daughter and I were all in awe. He got back in the car and left. Then I woke up. [I literally have no clue what the fuck just happened. That was totally bizarre.]<br />
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September 21st, 2010<br />
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I got in another bad car accident, but this time it was on a beach. I was completely fine though. Then I got a job at roller rink place at a carnival on the boardwalk in California. I had a hard time learning how to skate, but once I finally got it, it was really easy and I became pro (not actually pro, but just really good). I remember being on a boat with these two guys just a few meters from the shore [since when do I measure in meters?]. They were getting annoyed with me because they were conducting some research [and apparently I was just there to be there?]. I looked into the water and there was a shark, but it was like a mini great white, right there just 20 meters from land. I managed to fall in. I'm not sure if the guys pushed me or I just fell like a moron, but they didn't help and they started going back in. I started swimming frantically because the shark was coming for me. I got to about five feet from the shore when it was on me. I punched it in the nose and veered away to my right, but then it slashed its way back and bit me in my side. I don't remember the rest... Roller skating was fun though! [Of course it was.]<br />
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September 23rd 2010 [I just read over this. If you thought the other 2 dreams were fucked up, get ready...]<br />
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For some reason, Iw as in Japan and I started seeing shadow people everywhere. They were black, had cartoonish bodies with triangular heads. I remembered how Dan used to see them all the time too [I wonder if that's actually true]. I called him up and he told me that I had to talk to the family that I was staying with. I told them and they turned into dragons/dragonoids (which are like half human half dragon, for those who couldn't figure that out). We had to go deep into a dungeon underneath some tall building and complete some quest in order to stop everything that was happening. So we're going and then we come across these two ornate gauntlets, both of which were right-handed. One had a pistol attachment while the other just had a curved handle protruding outwards. At the end of the handle were two clips where some attachment was supposed to go. We take them and keep moving forward. We eventually find an axe head that was the missing piece of the second gauntlet. We attach it. The dad dragon tells me that we have to fight and that I have to defeat him to move on. he takes the axe gauntlet and whips it on no problem. I'm sitting there going, "Huh? What the fuck?" [I'm having this reaction again right now.].<br />
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He starts charging at me before I can even put the pistol gauntlet on, let alone figure out what is happening. I'm struggling with it and suddenly he's on top of me raising the axe in the air. I put my gauntlet on and barely block the axe. He tries to force the axe through my arm. I then remember that I can detach the axe head from the gauntlet. I do it and throw it away so that he can't get it anymore. he then proceeds to try and beat me with the handle. I block it again and try to parry it, and then shoot him in the face so that it'll finally be over. I shoot, but I miss somehow even though it was point blank. Either that or it just didn't hurt him. I kept trying to shoot but there was only one bullet in the gun the whole fucking time. After that I got out from under him, dropped the gauntlet and ran like hell. I ran into the next room which looked suspiciously like the set of the music video for the song from Robot Unicorn Attack, snow and all [Which has apparently been blocked on youtube... Otherwise I would link it.].<br />
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The dad dragonoid comes busting through the wall, charging at me like the fucking Kool-Aid guy. I start running again until I see the last room. It was at least 50 feet tell and was a great hall built for a king. There were giant red banners hanging down from the ceiling and fires were lit all the way to the end of the room. I ran inside, hoping I could end this before the dad killed me. Then my alarm woke me up.<br />
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Wow... That was a fucked up set of dreams in hindsight, and all in a row too. Anyway, I hope these weren't so weird that you felt you couldn't continue reading. Check back in for more tomorrow! Until then, I leave you with "Violent Dreams," by Crystal Castles. Enjoy!<br />
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Until next time...Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-19823135469498514672012-03-07T11:32:00.001-06:002012-03-07T11:32:18.705-06:00Dream Journals #2<div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Hey all! I recently came across a bunch of dream journals that I wrote throughout the summer and fall of 2010 and some scattered throughout 2011. I started reading through some of them I found them mostly bizarre, non-sensical, and hilarious. So I'm going to post one or two everyday until there are no more. So without further adieu, I present my dreams. There are obviously some that are NSFW, so I won't be posting those. Sorry, folks.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">[Note: At points, I may add my own commentary from now, usually to fill in context. I will put this commentary in brackets, like so.]</span></div>
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August 8th, 2010</div>
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Mike, Matt, Zach, Maryrose, myself, and few other people who I don't remember were in a class together doing video projects. Mike and Matt area team, Zach and I were a team, and Maryrose was teamed up with some other person. We present our video and for whatever reason, Mike and Matt have to redo theirs. They were reenacting a scene from <i>Dumb and Dumber</i>. They asked me to help them out because I am relatively experienced in video production. I told them I would help. [What makes this better is that in real life, Mike recently had a dream where he was making movies and he asked me a number of times to help him make one in real life for the same reason.]</div>
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So we were on the sidewalk in some neighborhood, presumably their's. Mike was trying to memorize his lines but he just couldn't do it. He and Matt go through different ways to try and get him to remember them. I told them to use cue cards because it will be easiest. I continued on by saying that I even saw cue cards being used in their first video because one accidentally went into the frame. They insisted that what I saw never happened, but I was certain that I saw it. While they continued rehearsing lines [that in reality they would know by heart since they were children], I wrote Mike's lines on some cue cards that we apparently had. I held them up for Mike to see. He told me that it would never work. I told him to at least give it a try. He did, and low and behold, it worked perfectly. After all is said and done, they re-presented their video and they got a good grade, despite what happened. The teacher then presented the next project which involved an on-screen kiss. Rather than small groups, the class was split in half, and to top it off, for some reason it became assumed by everyone that I was going to be kissing Maryrose [Now, what I haven't mentioned is that I had a crush on Maryrose from like... 5th grade to 6th or 7th grade, so when this came up so many years later, I was like wtf?]. I was like, "Holy fuck... after all this time...? Seriously?" It was at this point that I remembered about Kelly [who was a good friend of mine and whom I ALSO had a major crush on throughout 2010...]. I tried to change Maryrose into Kelly to make the whole situation less weird, but for some reason I couldn't. But thankfully I woke up, so it's fine.</div>
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[I normally write these in present tense, and changing it all over to past is difficult, so I'm keeping them as they are.]</div>
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August 11th, 2010</div>
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I was cast in a pretty minor role in a movie starring Robert Downey Jr. and Joseph Gordon Levitt. The scene I was in was with Levitt. It took place in a factory and I'm fairly certain it was a choreographed dance sequence. My part involved pushing a rolling bed while Levitt danced atop it with his female co-star whilst I danced. It was a rehearsal and it ended with me tripping and Levitt falling off the bed, stepping on my face and one of my teeth falling out. To avoid a lawsuit, the production company gave me a ticket to the premiere of another movie of their's. I was also to go with Levitt and Downey. They had to go to the premiere as a group to help promote the movie that we were working on. </div>
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We go to the premiere and it turns out that Downey doesn't know bout me. I try to talk to him because we got separated from Levitt and everyone else. So I'm trying to get him to turn around and I can tell he's trying to get away from me. I put my hand on his shoulder and he ducks down and dodges left. He then goes and grabs an Iron Man mask from someone going to the premiere dressed as Iron Man... [At this point, your guess is as good as mine.] So I end up losing him in the crowd and he has the tickets... So I'm looking around for anyone that I know that was with the group, but I can't find anyone. The premiere is also at a theatre on the lake, so this is all taking place on a boardwalk. I turn, looking out at the lake and the rest of the city on my left. I see a huge billboard on the city side for a Batman-Superman WWE super event [Like I said, I have no clue either]. Below it was a billboard for the next <i>Thor</i> movie [and the first one hadn't even come out yet].</div>
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So I'm stuck out on the boardwalk without the people I'm supposed to be with and no ticket... The movie begins and soon, I'm one of just a handful of people left outside. I'm sitting there, eating cotton candy that I got from one of the many concession vendors outside of the theatre, when suddenly Joseph Gordon Levitt comes up behind me and asks me where I've been. I tell him what happened and he pulls out a little red rubber ball from his pocket and tells me how Downey has one also and that if either of them presses in on the ball, it acts as a panic button so that the other can get them out of there and get hidden from crazy people [....]. He goes on to explain that Downey had no idea who I was or what had happened that got me in this position, so he thought I was some nut case stalker. It turns out the movie wasn't over yet and Levitt wanted to get out of the theatre before the crowd. So he and I became good friends after that. He tells me that he has a wedding that he has to go to but he no longer has a date, so he asked if I wanted to come along [At this point, I can only presume this sounds like this is leading to Levitt and I becoming a gay couple, but I can assure you, it was a gesture of good faith to make up for what had happened, and like I said, he and I became friends.] The wedding was for Michael Jackson or Prince of someone like that, I can't remember. Levitt introduced me to Will Ferrell and talked and had lunch together. It was pretty fucking sweet. I don't know if we ever finished the movie we were working on after that though...</div>
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August 14th, 2010</div>
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I was working with a G.I. Joe team to help extract some files from some bank-looking place. I was given an Uzi and I had no clue what the fuck I was doing [well, that's typical]. Anyway, we get the files and I was the first to exit the bank. As I run out, a Cobra drop ship comes down and starts letting out troops to come kills us. They don't see me right away, so I start shooting before the rest of the Joes come out. I start running into the parking lot, past them, looking for cover. I take down two guys out of like ten... As I'm running, I feel these sharp pains in my back, my right side, and the left side of my jaw. They were shooting me up. The pain was the same type of pain as a previous dream where my neighbor, Ralph shot me twice with shotgun at point-blank range. By the time you're dead, you stop feeling the pain though. You actually feel pretty relaxed as the world slows down around you. Your body becomes heavier and heavier until you finally collapse on the ground and fall asleep, and die.</div>
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Well, that's all, folks! Like I said, I'm going to be putting these up every day until I'm out of them, so tune in tomorrow for another set of em. In the meantime, I leave you with "That was just a dream," by Cut Copy. Enjoy!</div>
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Until next time...</div>Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-71269853287546640012012-03-06T02:33:00.004-06:002012-03-26T22:49:03.785-05:00Dream Journals #1 Hey all! I recently came across a bunch of dream journals that I wrote throughout the summer and fall of 2010 and some scattered throughout 2011. I started reading through some of them I found them mostly bizarre, non-sensical, and hilarious. So I'm going to post one or two everyday until there are no more. So without further adieu, I present my dreams. There are obviously some that are NSFW, so I won't be posting those. Sorry, folks.<br />
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[Note: At points, I may add my own commentary from now, usually to fill in context. I will put this commentary in brackets, like so.]<br />
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July 29th, 2010<br />
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This has been stricken from the record, due to evident awkwardness...<br />
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July 31st, 2010<br />
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All I can remember is going up to the help desk in Barnes and Noble and asked if they carried <i>Halo: Evolutions</i>. They asked if I wanted the tall, hardcover version or the shorter paperback. I asked for the paperback [Which is SO unlike me]. They took me to a shelf-end, moved this thing [which I presume is a book cart or something]. It turned out to be the hardcover version. One of the employees asked another girl that was walking by where the paperback version was. She took both of us to a table and there it was. I look at it, finally in hand, and then notice the price. It was $60... I was like "What the fuck? How much is hardcover?" Turns out, it was like $100.<br />
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August 1st, 2010<br />
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I was back in San Diego [which I had just come back from], in the water between Coronado and the bay where Comic Con is held. I was on someone else's yacht, in their media room. They had a very nice flat screen and really nice couches and lighting, but in the corner they had a shelf filled with blank CDs and DVDs, which suggested that they were considerably frugal, despite what else they had... [At this point, I hope you've noticed that in my dreams, my logical process becomes skewed and is usually inductive] The owners were a family: a mom, dad, son and daughter. I was watching TV with the son, the parents walked in and I met them. We joked around a bit and something happened where I needed to take a shower afterwards [I don't exactly remember, but I think a drink was spilled all over me or something]. I went down a level and closed the door to the bathroom, which was enormous, more like a bath floor than a room. Anyway, it turns out their little daughter was in there as well and I didn't know it until the parents came barging in thinking that I had done something to their daughter [Who, like I said before, I had no clue she was even there. I want that matter straight. I did nothing.]. There was a panic, for both me and everyone else and it ended with me literally being thrown off the side of the yacht. Then I woke up.<br />
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So there ya go, everyone! Day one of the dream journals is completed. I hope you enjoyed reading them as much as I did. Now, I need to get to bed because it's 2:30AM and ironically, I'm staying up writing about what I think about when I sleep. I leave you with "Daydream," by Youth Lagoon. Enjoy!<br />
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Until next time... [Sweet dreams.]Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-5448319583940167092012-02-29T11:16:00.001-06:002012-02-29T11:19:44.135-06:00New Theory Hey all and welcome back! I feel like I should be saying that to myself. I wrote last on... Thursday or Friday I think it was and it feels like that was fuckin forever ago. Since then I've been relatively busy being super stressed over an Ethics exam which consisted of writing two randomly-chosen essays out of a possible five in 40 minutes or less. Thankfully we got the easiest question and the one I studied the most, so I feel I did very well.<br />
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Yesterday I wrote a small story/blog on my tumblr page. Oh, that's right, I have a new tumblr page. You can visit it here: <a href="http://jakewhlr117.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">http://jakewhlr117.tumblr.com/</a>. Anyway, I was-... well I'll just let you read it.</div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Today, SSX comes out. Boy am I excited to play this game again. Not necessarily because I enjoy snowboarding, but because I used to play SSX Tricky on the PS2 all the fuckin time when it was out, so my interest is mostly nostalgia-oriented.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">My plan today was after my first couple classes, during an hour and a half break, I would head on over to Gamestop, pay off the other $55 I still owed on it and that would be that. After this past weekend, I have next to no cash on me and I prefer not having to spend my debit money because I don’t know how much is in there… So, I would be using the money I had on my Gamestop PowerUp card, which was only $20, which meant, in order to spend the least amount of money from my debit account, I was going to need to sell some games. The frontrunners to sell back were Skyrim (because I have it for the PC now & I’m never going back), and Mass Effect 2, which I JUST got in the mail from Amazon, so I could prepare for ME3. I haven’t even gotten to touch ME2 though because I’ve been relatively busy and somewhat lost interest in catching up on ME2. I was also considering Forza 4, which I also just got…</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">So as I’m sitting in my car this morning, studying for my impending Ethics exam, I realized that not only did I forget the games I was going to sell trade in, but I forgot my wallet. I quietly sighed to myself, cursed my Ethics test yet again for making me forget my stuff, and continued studying. In between classes, rather than heading to Gamestop as planned, I headed home to go get what I needed. I picked up the games and headed back out to class. After said class, I headed on over to the mall, Gamestop and SSX awaiting me. I grab the games, reach into my bag for my wallet, and wouldn’t you fuckin know it, I had yet again forgotten my wallet. “Mother fucker,” I said to myself, now unable to blame my Ethics exam and instead cursing my uncharacteristically forgetful manner. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">I put my seat belt back on and trudged back home… I would just go back later tonight and do it then because it’s rush hour and there’s too many people about on the roads. I came up to my room and found my wallet immediately sitting on the loft in my room, right where I knew it was from the beginning. A lingering thought popped into my head that perhaps I hadn’t spent all of my Gamestop gift cards that I got for my birthday like I thought I had. I checked where I normally keep extra cards and low and behold, I still had $100 in Gamestop cards. Finally, a reason to rejoice. I no longer have to part with games that I have barely gotten into (sans Skyrim). </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">So that’s been my Tuesday. I did well on the exam, found I don’t have to get rid of games to get a new one and am now relatively free for the rest of the week. It feels good knowing that I won’t have any major stressors until the first week of April, which I just found out is probably going to be my hardest week of the semester, but I’ll wait until then to unload my stress through the internet. Hope everyone is having a fantastic day! :D</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Since then I have gotten SSX and it's pretty damn fun, but I don't want to spend a whole ton of time on it right away and then wear it out, which is kind of what I did with Forza 4...</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"> There's not much of anything on my plate right now, so what I really want to get to right now deals with, what was considered, a leaked 343Industries vidoc showcasing some Halo 4 cinematic effects. Before continuing on, I'll let you see it for yourself.</span></div>
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Now, since then Microsoft has come out and confirmed that this video is actually fake. I'd like to say next that whoever made this thing did a damn good job of a fake, and to fill it with such amazing imagery to boot. Personally, I hope it somehow turns out that it actually IS real. I don't just hope though. Something tells me that it could be more real than we're taking it. </div>
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Many people who saw this video were left pretty confused, and almost rightfully so. It seems that most everyone took this vidoc as a new trailer that is dealing with the story, which left everyone going "What the fuck did I just watch?" This notion also resided in me, but only in a hopeful manner, not in what I thought it actually was.</div>
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Let's ignore that this is (so far) a confirmed fake. Let's make the assumption that this actually was real, officially, and was put out by 343i. How do we view this? What impact does this have on how we see the Halo universe and the upcoming Halo 4? I want to start by what I think it actually is- showing off. Everyone seems to only be seeing what they want to see, and that is "Halo 4 Cinematic..." instead of seeing that "Effects" comes right afterwards. This has next to nothing to do with the story at all. Rather, it's just showing what the Halo 4 engine is capable of creating. The blue plasma fire, the explosions, the metallic look, the pulsing blue lights that are so frequently seen throughout the entire Halo franchise. This video isn't a new teaser for us to dissect. It's too early for that. Halo 4 is still probably around 8 months away. This vidoc, which, remember, are videos to show us behind the scenes stuff, like cinematic effect examples like these. So, as I said above, this video would be nothing more than showing off what sorts of things we will see in Halo 4. Nothing more, nothing less.</div>
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But what if it actually <u>was</u> dealing with the story? I imagine, as we've seen already, people would be left scratching their heads with a look on their faces that cannot seem to figure out what it is they just watched, and if 343i was actually bringing R2-D2 into the game. To that particular notion, I face-palmed a bit. You see this spherical mechanical thing that looks like it's having sex with the barrel of a rifle, and the first thing you think of is fucking Star Wars? Your mind shouldn't be turning it's focus somewhere that clearly has nothing to do with this. You should be wondering what this actually is. Assuming this was real and it was solely story-focused, I would have guess that it was some mechanical implant within Master Chief that was effectively turning him back on when he's waking up from the cryo tube. This entire video lends itself to the beginning of the Halo 4 announcement trailer, where they are showing that very thing! Before moving on, I also thought that, based on the pretty blue lights that are being shot through microscopic darkness, is showing us the birth of a monitor, much like (SPOILERS) the birth of 343 Guilty Spark that we see in Halo: Primordium. </div>
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Despite what the focus of what this video could be showing, there's still a very profound image I get from it. Everything is dark and quiet, and yet there is still bits of bright and colorful beauty in the darkness, alone, not concerned with the struggle with Humanity and Covenant, the discovery of lost histories, and the destruction of all sentient life in the galaxy. No, these are so much small and seemingly insignificant in comparison, not worth mentioning or showing in the Halo universe. But why not? Why not show us this sense of peace, quiet, and beauty that seemingly has nothing to do with anything we've seen so far? If this video was real, and was from the story, then I applaud 343i for showing us something we're so not used to seeing at any point during Halo's history. It gave me the sense that despite everything that is going on in the Halo universe, none of it really mattered. It presents a much deeper theme into Halo; one that, for most, doesn't have a place within the story, or possibly was just in such a small place that no one ever thought to look. But when you do look, I think it speaks volumes. This video, I think, has sold me Halo 4 more than any other Halo 4-related item. It's just a shame that it's fake...</div>
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Well, that's all I got going on in my world right now. I hope you enjoyed reading. I leave you with "New Theory," by Washed Out. Enjoy!<br />
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Until next time...</div>Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-9594489977673254942012-02-24T00:57:00.000-06:002012-02-29T11:18:30.221-06:00Raconte- moi une historie I know I said I may not get to writing something, but sometimes things happen and it changes your plans... figures, right? I've talked a couple times recently about trying to make things more positive, and how I am trying to take more time and connect with other people (generally through Twitter). But it does go.. a bit deeper than that. This may also end in a bit of a downer, and just know that is not my intention either. Wow, I know what I'm going to say and yet, I can't find how to write it... This is turning out to be my worst blog yet.<br />
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I guess I'll just say it... The past few years, I've been fighting depression, which is mostly brought up from feeling socially inadequate, feeling ignored, not understood, and not cared for by those whom I care for. These sorts of feelings plus other external stressors have.... even led me a couple times to the point of attempted suicide...<br />
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...There I said it. That's my secret, and for all to see no less. This is something that even my family has only known for like a month now. But I have and still am working past it.<br />
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Now, I consider all of you on twitter as my friends, some of you as close friends even. You're the people I can connect with, and you all connect with each other, and that's what I love. Someone, whom I consider to be a close friend, and actually probably my best twitter friend got in a bit of a verbal scuffle with some other people. I don't want, nor do I feel it necessary, to go into detail (especially since some, maybe many, witnessed it too). All I was left thinking was, "What was the point in any of that?" Nothing was proven one way or another and it ended pretty much exactly as it had before it started. Nothing was gained, but the sense of happiness was lost. You call someone out on something that may not even be true in the first place, and in front of so many people. And for what, exactly? There was no good reason to do such a thing, to anyone, or for any reason. If someone wants to have their secrets, then they should at least be allowed that, because it's none of our business one way or another. I don't get it.<br />
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I've also mentioned in the past that I am an Atheist. I don't believe in any sort of god or gods, heaven or hell, a collective conscious, a deeper connection that we can sense, or even understand. I try to see things as they are, not as I want them to be. For all intensive purposes, for me, we are alone (for now). And yet all people do is try to hurt and kill one another, and again, I ask, "for what?" All we have is each other, here on our tiny globe, floating through space on time.<br />
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Why can't we strive for more? Why can't we see that it's just us here and that's all we really need? I know others, like myself, deal with feeling social anxiety, depression, and not being good enough for everyone else. We become so focused on how we aren't perfect or we aren't who we should be, how other's should be punished simply for who they are, our unwillingness to let people just be who they are, and all because they aren't like you or me. So I ask again, why not strive for more? Why not try to be more than what we are now?<br />
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I'm... feeling shaken up right now, it's an overwhelming feeling to try and explain past such simple words as love and friendship. I hate to see many others that don't see any other way and subject themselves to living in a world of personal misery. There are so many unhappy people, and there's nothing more I want to do than to change that. I don't want to see others living through silent pain, suffering, and loneliness, only to die the same way they lived. I want to see a world community, filled with friendship, "the biggest group of friends the world has ever seen..."<br />
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I see our society, our world, crumbling right in front of us, and no one even takes the time to ask how everyone's day is going. No one seems to care to change themselves, their lives, their environments. Stop waiting for the world to change. Instead, change the world. It seems like a tall order, but who knows, you may find, like I did, that it's easier than you might think.<br />
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It's not me that makes me sad anymore. What makes me sad is that other people are sad. So stand up and change the world, so that everyone can be a part of it. Change it, so that one day, when Humans are no more, we may be remembered, not as a species destroying itself for no reason, but as a species that loves. I consider myself a friend to everyone, a friend to the world. And if I can feel that way, then why can't you?<br />
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<a href="http://thechive.com/2011/11/10/an-inspirational-speech-to-start-your-morning-video/" target="_blank">http://thechive.com/2011/11/10/an-inspirational-speech-to-start-your-morning-video/</a><br />
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<a href="http://thechive.com/2012/02/15/you-are-here-a-beautiful-speech-by-carl-sagan-video/" target="_blank">http://thechive.com/2012/02/15/you-are-here-a-beautiful-speech-by-carl-sagan-video/</a><br />
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This song is called "Raconte- Moi Une Historie," by M83. If it's said no where else, than I want to known here that after I die, I want this to be the last song played at whatever service is had, because this is how I feel. And to anyone that's ever feeling alone, just know that you're not, because if no else is there, I am.<br />
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P.S. When I first started seeing the number 117 everywhere, all my friends, family, and I tried to give it some meaning, something that we could hold onto. Once I changed my gt to One One Seven and made it my thing, it ended up leading me to so many people that I consider my friends, and that's where the true meaning lies: friendship.<br />
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Until next time... <3Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-70963694456101184162012-02-23T13:55:00.001-06:002012-02-23T13:55:42.883-06:0011th Dimension<br />
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Hey all, I'm going to be relatively busy this weekend, so I don't know if I'll be getting around to writing much f=of anything other than practice essays for an upcoming exam... Plus I don't usually put up as much philosophical stuff as I may like, so to fix both issues, I am putting up a paper I just wrote on a passage from Thomas Hobbes' <i>Leviathan.</i> It deals with world and societal reformation so that Humans can have a more peaceful world to live in. </div>
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I'm also going to put the song up here, in case you just aren't that interested in Human nature without law. This is "11th Dimension," by Julian Casablancas. Enjoy!</div>
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In <i>Leviathan</i>, Thomas Hobbes
sets up rules and ideas with the goal of setting up a world and society that is
much more peaceful than the one he was living in. When Hobbes is discussing
Human nature without government, he says, “To this war of every man against
every man, this also is consequent: that nothing can be unjust. The notions of
right and wrong, justice and injustice, have there no place. Where there is no
common power, there is no law; where no law, no injustice. Force and fraud are
in war and two cardinal virtues” (Leviathan, p. 78). In short, Hobbes is
describing how Humans act in a natural world, without government. This passage
is very important to everything Hobbes is trying to accomplish and is full of
different things to talk about. If society implemented the foundation of ideas
that Hobbes is proposing, then a volatile society, like Hobbes’, could benefit
and reform itself into one that is more peaceful and longer lasting. I will be breaking
down this passage and go over what Hobbes means by the war of all versus all,
how Human ethics are affected in nature, and how a central power is necessary
to uphold Human ethics. I will then briefly go over my own views of those ideas
that Hobbes is discussing.</div>
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When Hobbes says, “…this war of every man against every man…”
(Leviathan, p.78), he is means that in nature, everyone is working primarily on
their own self-interest and trying to survive. Since there are no rules to
abide by, the threat of being hurt or killed is a very real thing. Everyone
works for himself or herself in the war for survival. For Hobbes, the
circumstances under which this sort of scenario would happen is in a natural
world, where there is no central power present to reinforce the morals and
ethics that we know today. But how are our ethics affected by this natural
world and the constant war for survival, where no person can be trusted?</div>
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With the understanding of what Hobbes is describing with the war of all
versus all, we move on to the difference in ethics that we know compared to how
they would exist in a natural world. Hobbes continues on by saying, “…this is
consequent: that nothing can be unjust. The notions of right and wrong, justice
and injustice, have there no place” (Leviathan, p. 78). This part of the
passage is rather self-explanatory. What Hobbes is saying that given a world
governed by the forces of nature, rather than one by society, all of the ethics
and morals that we base society on disappear. There are no made-up rules that
we feel we should abide by. The sense of justice that we know is suddenly
thrown out of the window and is replaced by one that permits anything and
everything, personal abilities permitting. There is no longer any sense of
right or wrong, except in fulfilling our own needs to survive and working
towards our self-interests. To Hobbes, in this world, nothing is unjust and
there is no such thing as right and wrong, as we perceive them. Everything is
permissible. This is true even in such examples of rape or killing an innocent
child. In short: In nature, whatever happens, happens, and there is not much
standing in the way of that, except for the prospects of ethics and society
that governs us.</div>
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Now, at this point, it is important to begin remembering the bigger
picture that Hobbes is setting up for us. He is trying to create a society and
government that is peaceful and is on our terms (so far as we can achieve
them), instead of the seeming lack of order in nature. Without such power,
Human life is, as Hobbes puts it, “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short”
(Leviathan, p. 76). In order to work past these risky and volatile conditions,
there needs to be a central power, bigger than us, that controls how we act
with one another. Continuing on with the original passage, Hobbes says, “Where
there is no common power, there is no law; where no law, no injustice”
(Leviathan, p. 78). When Hobbes says “common power,” he means something that
can control most, if not all of Humanity. Since we are the top animals on
Earth, it is left to us to create that power from and for ourselves. Our common
power is a central government built on our ethics. Without such a common power
upholding and enforcing laws that we create, then there are no laws to uphold,
and therefore, there are no laws to follow.</div>
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So, to paraphrase the process that Hobbes is following: For Hobbes, the
world is a very volatile place where society is seems to be crumbling and
people are starting to expand their minds and reforming society. Hobbes is no
different in this endeavor. He understands the knowledge we have gained and how
his society works. He hypothetically destroys his society and throws everyone
back into nature. With his prior knowledge, he then re-forges his society into
one that recognizes how nature works and tries to work against the chaos that
everyone has been exposed to, all in the attempt to create the blueprints for a
society that is more peaceful and empirical than the one he knows. </div>
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When it comes to my views and opinions on Hobbes, I guess I will just
say this: The more I read and understand what Hobbes is saying, the more I feel
like at some point, I will be going back in time and writing this book myself.
At almost no point have I found myself disagreeing with what he says. He
reasons out his points effectively and what he says are things I have often
found myself thinking too. Perhaps it may be because, like Hobbes, I see our
society as one that is headed to its destruction, and more hopefully, a
reformation that continues seeking the same values that Hobbes was looking for:
peace, science, and the spread of intellectualism.</div>
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People seem to think that the society that we have been raised in is
just how things always work, and do not take the time to recognize the forces
of nature without the only setting we have ever known. I completely agree with
what Hobbes says about the lack of justice and injustice in nature, the loss of
right and wrong, and how Humans are easily willing to kill one another to get
what they feel they need to survive. What I feel Hobbes neglects to distinguish
in his nature scenario is whether such a society existed prior to the natural
take-over. This is an aspect that I feel is quite important to take into
account. In a natural world where so prior society existed, where Humans create
order blindly and without much guidance, such a society would eventually grow
into the one that Hobbes knew and the one that we know today. However, if there
were such a prior society, it would most likely be one similar, if not
identical, to ours. This difference, I feel, makes Hobbes’ overall point that
much stronger, because those people that survive the destruction of our society
would still have all of our prior knowledge and would probably try to reclaim
it. With such prior knowledge, we could, and hopefully would, be able to reason
out the same points that Hobbes is explaining in <i>Leviathan</i>. When Thomas Edison was going through his seemingly
failing invention process for the light bulb, he was quoted as saying, “I have
not failed. I have found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” This applies to
everything we create, and society is no different. </div>
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In the instance where a previous civilization falls and people are left
in the state of nature, as Hobbes describes it, there is still a fair chance
that society and peace could not be recovered. The chaos from the transition
could be too powerful for us to endure or there could be too few survivors to
reclaim peace and order. I do agree that, given circumstances like these, that
state of nature that Hobbes describes is considerably accurate. From that
point, I think anything could happen to Humanity. People are willing to hurt,
kill and rape already, but in a world where there is nothing saying not to do
that, such things would run rampant and unchecked. So many think that these
sorts of things cannot happen and that we are invincible, unable to fall, but in
reality, anything could put us on such a path, whether it be a reason outside
of our control or ourselves. In either case, we have the potential to create
wonderful things. What we need is some recognition of how things work in
reality, outside of our minds.</div>
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So, to conclude, Hobbes does a wonderful job of reasoning and creating a
blueprint of a newer, more peaceful society. He paints a picture of a world
that is very real, and yet is relatively unseen, and shows us that knowing such
possibilities and potential can help us reform and recreate civilization to
prolong a peaceful Human existence. </div>
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Until next time...</div>Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-12164150695079862382012-02-20T20:05:00.000-06:002012-02-20T20:05:36.340-06:00With You, Friends Boy, has it been a while since I wrote last... or at least that's how it feels. Perhaps there was just a lot going on since the 9th. So, I suppose we shouldn't waste any time. Let's begin straight away. After all, you didn't come here to read about me talking about talking about things, now did you? I consider most everyone as a friend, and I try not to leave friends disappointed. But I suppose I should digress...<br />
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I went home for my birthday. I figured my family would be happy to see me and celebrate my birthday with them, and I also had to get new tires. The weekend was pretty fantastic. Bob also came home for the weekend and Tassi, Bob, and myself went to see Phantom Menace in 3D. It was okay, but Tassi and I both fell asleep in between the second and third acts. I also finally got to catch up on Season 2 of Portlandia. We went to Bob Chinn's Crab House and my mom got me a cake, even though I was there for such short a time. As I figured I would, I got the current iPod Nano to replace the iTouch that got fucked up by being dropped into the toilet. I also got two big boxes of Strawberry Hello Panda and mini snickerdoodle muffins. For those that don't know, Hello Panda are pretty much the current day version of Koala Yummies. For those still confused, I'd just like to say: You've missed out if you've never gotten the chance to have these. They're are tiny hollow cookies with a tiny cute panda drawn on the rounder side and each cookie is filled with filling which is usually chocolate or strawberry, and I am a huge sucker for strawberry stuff.<br />
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My sister gave me a bit money to go towards the tortoise fund, which I was very happy to get because it was looking to be a few hundred more dollars than I had anticipated... But now, I am not so sure about this plan. I was so preoccupied and during the weekend that I didn't really think about the tortoise at all, and I was gradually forgetting about it and losing interest. (Lizz, if you're reading, I haven't spent the money. I'll talk to you about it at some other point). In any event, I started wondering how I had gotten so close to actually buying the tortoise. The idea of it now doesn't seem too wise, as it's very costly, we're not allowed pets in our place, and if I had gone through this loss of interest after I had bought it and everything, I would be deeply regretting it (not to mention I'd be stuck with it for the next like... 50 years?). But why did this whole thing come into my head to begin with? If you read my last blog, which I wrote the night before my birthday, I was in a real negative mood by the end of it. I was feeling angry, sad, and moreover, lonely. In that mood, I think buying a pet tortoise seemed like a quick-fix solution to my loneliness. It was silly and impulsive of me and it could have fucked me over and I'd be stuck.<br />
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So now what do I do when I go into this state again? Well, that's kind of what I figured out this week. If I remember correctly, this past Tuesday was Valentine's Day. Thankfully, my Tuesday actually wasn't that bad, as I successfully masked my loneliness with light humor and being friendly. Wednesday is when things finally got to me. Wednesday is my day off in between heavy class days, so I feel the need to be moving and busy, but with nothing to do or talk to, so I begin focusing in on tiny things that shouldn't matter, I overreact to them because what the fuck else am I going to do? So Wednesday night ended with me going to bed at like 9PM, in an attempt to just sleep the shittiness away. Thursday morning, nothing had changed. In fact, things were getting worse. The weather in Carbondale was rainy and very cold and I was stuck sitting in my car for an hour and a half waiting for ANY spot to open up. Meanwhile, I was live-tweeting my negativity for all others to feel. While I sat in my car, I wondered how one goes about meeting new and similar people. Maybe meeting new people wasn't the issue though, maybe it's how I treat the friends I have now. Sure I try to be nice and polite to everyone as I can be, but I still push people away when it comes to them wanting to be friends with me. I get friend requests all the time from people. I've made tons of friends on twitter that I connect with so very much. All of these people are part of the gaming culture which I have been feeling distant from lately, and a lot of people have tried to be friends with me so that we can play games together, but I just don't want to.<br />
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On Xbox Live, I tell people that if I know them, I'll accept their friend requests, but that still leaves me getting requests on Xbox Live to play games with them. The thing is that I just feel so uncomfortable talking through mics and headsets, or even over the phone. IMing/Facebook chat is the same way. I don't know why, I feel comfortable with texting or twitter, and yet, I can talk to people face-to-face pretty well, I think by now. Face-to-face is more of a transitional thing that I'm working through. In any event, it gets to the point that if I'm playing a game that has multiplayer on it and one of these people signs on, I will go out of my way to appear offline so as not to deal with it. I then have to hold my breath waiting to see if they saw me online in time to send me a request or not... The point is, is that despite me considering these people my friends, I try to be as inconspicuous to these folks as I can be, I imagine, to the point where they consider me as a minor acquaintance, and it's this that puts me into these negative spirals. So it looks like I have to change something, and it looks like it's going to have to be me that changes.<br />
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So now, I am try to make more of an effort to be actual friends with people, be nice to everyone, muscle through the uncomfortable, because more than likely, I'll be happier afterwards. The past few days I've been occasionally posting tweets and statuses asking how people's days and weekends have been going. I've been getting at least one or two responses each time, but that's all it needs to be at this point. Starting a friendly conversation with someone, and being able to continue that conversation. If, for most of the time, my friends are stuck inside of a computer or Xbox, I suppose I can at least put that effort forward, since I don't get to see them in person that often. Once I put this together, I'll be damned if things didn't start going better immediately.<br />
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Later on Thursday night, I tried to do the same thing with my roommates and Tom (Congrats Tom, on finally getting mentioned, I know it was bugging you.). We sat around in our living room watching various things. Zach had a bottle of wine left from Valentine's, so he poured himself a glass. I was convinced, mostly by Tom, to have a glass of my own. I had it, and it was pretty awful, but I finished it, and then had three more. I was relatively tipsy, since I don't drink ever. So, I went to bed pretty happy with how the day turned out, and on Friday, Dan was coming down.<br />
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Friday started out nicely. I got up at about 8:30 and went to work out. I had to start out with the stationary bike though because I found that my shorts were a bit too big to run in without eventually falling off. I tried re-tying them, but as it turned out, they were already tied as tight as I could get them, to the point of the shorts actually scrunching up on the waste lace. When they were untied, I was pretty baffled by just how big they are to me now. It was like a before and after picture where the person is wearing an old pair of giant pants. So that made me pretty happy.<br />
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I also talked to a bunch of my twitter friends throughout the day as well. I asked about an upcoming Grifgoose tournament on Halo Reach that is coming up and now I am in a team with IGLGrifball and PMS_NightOwl. I think we still need a fourth, but I do not really know right now. I also did my first Follow Friday thing on Twitter. I put up those that I talk to most often and those that I had talked to recently. I would've put up way more than I had, but then I thought I might be clogging people's twitter feeds, so next week, I'll be doing it again. In either case, I was feeling the love from a bunch of people who were feeling it from me. A couple people even decided to do a #FF of their own, both including me on the list. It's a small gesture, but I was feeling pretty awesome after that. And so unlike Thursday morning, things were now only getting better, because Dan was on his way down to visit me for the weekend.<br />
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Dan came in Friday evening. We spent the next couple of hours catching up on things (mostly a more-detailed version what I just explained above.). We came downstairs and started hanging out with everyone else, who had begun drinking. Later on, I was convinced to actually go back to the bar, which doesn't sound like much, but on multiple occasions, when people heard that I was going to bar, they got really excited. Even afterwards, our neighbors heard I went to the bar and they freaked out, saying that they couldn't believe they missed it. I didn't know I held such influence. The bar we went to is called Copper Dragon, and as you may imagine, there is a big dragon, made of copper, that is hanging up over the dance area in front of the stage where a band called 'Mike and Jim' played a bunch of popular songs that I could only get mildly interested in; stuff that is difficult to dance to. Tom was already very drunk by the time we got to the bar, so I ended up drinking half of his Blue Dragon, which is like a Long Island Iced Tea, except that it's blue and sweet, that Zach bought him.<br />
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I'd like to take this time and really congratulate Tom Nitti for not only getting his first mention in my blog (which he has been yearning for ever since I began my blog), but this is now the third time he's been mentioned. So congrats, Tom. Twice in one week, I have drank, which I don't do, all thanks to you.<br />
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So anyway, the rest of the weekend was absolutely splendid. We bought the Monopoly: Electronic Banking, which uses credit cards and a card reader instead of actual bills, and it was awesome and super fun. I can't wait to do a game night again. Dan ended up winning, because for some reason, he has some natural ability to win at board games... Dan was also able to get my Windows 7 running on bootcamp. It was ultimately to get Star Wars: The Old Republic working, but there was one problem after another with it. We did put Steam on it though, and now I have Skyrim on there. I'm going to be switching over to playing it on PC because of the modding aspect of it. So far I'm still trying to figure out if they're working or not, since I haven't gotten to actually play yet... In any event, the weekend is sadly over, but it was one of the best weekends I've had in a long time. Dan, we need to figure out when to do this again.<br />
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Well, that's all folks! Cherish your friends and they'll reciprocate. I leave you with "With you, Friends (Long Drive)," by Skrillex. It's not so much dubstep as his other stuff, but it's still one of my favorite Skrillex songs. Enjoy!<br />
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Until next time...Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-70025228075041189502012-02-09T02:04:00.000-06:002012-02-09T02:14:11.229-06:00The Happy Birthday Song Welp, it's now technically 12:45 right now, making it February 9th, which means I am now 22 years old. And to tell the truth, I'm not too sure if I could be any <i>less</i> excited about it. I don't know if it's just because of how fast this month has been going. Even today (now yesterday), I had to be reminded that my birthday was tomorrow (now today). My family has asked me time and time again what I want for my birthday and the only thing I can think of is a new ipod nano because my itouch fell in my toilet when repositioning my Bose sound dock. Not to mention that other things have been on my mind like the two tests I have in less than 12 hours from now, trying to get our fucking internet fixed, fighting to keep my weight down from the weekend and trying to find a productive way to spend my time.<br />
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I will say though, before moving on, that my thrice-a-week workout has been going well. I missed Monday, but I made up for it today. My last actual blog, which was about my predictions for Halo 4 got a staggering 477 views, which blew me away. The most views I've had past that is like 56, so this was quite a jump. Thanks to Halo.Bungie.Org for featuring it. For those of you who read it and are interested, I did manage to forget a semi-crucial detail in that (SPOILERS): we'll most likely be meeting the Librarian and the Didact in some incarnation in The Reclaimer Trilogy, if not in Halo 4, and that the UNSC Infinity is using a duplicate of 343 Guilty Spark as its shipboard AI, which lends itself to my theory of the Infinity coming in and halting the forerunner defensive systems. But I digress.<br />
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I may be picking up a new family member in the next week or so. The past few days, I've been feeling the need to have something take up my time. I almost went out today and bought a beta fish, just to sort of play around with and keep me busy, but no. We just got rid of our fish tank back home because no one was really paying much attention to it, not to mention the expenses of keeping it up... Don't worry, the fish and the tank now have a new home. BUT, I think I may move ahead with something I've wanted ever since I was a wee lad- owning a turtle. Well, not really a turtle, but a tortoise, because I want to hang out with it and whatnot and apparently turtles aren't the best for that. I've been doing some research and budget permitting, I think that's what I am going to do. In terms of naming, I was thinking of just naming it an everyday colloquialism like "Man" or "Dude." It feels like there's something to it though. A name like Dude is just so anti-climactic and bland that it seems to really fit the nature of a tortoise and, yet, you wouldn't expect such a name, would you? In terms of conventional names, I was thinking something like Chauncey. In any case, I have to wait, research it a bit more, and then actually buy it.<br />
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In the meantime, I am still trying to find a new hobby to occupy myself. I bought two new games yesterday and the day before and I am already bored and disinterested in both. The first game, Forza 4, is definitely fun in its own right, but I am not a car guy and I can only go around laps so many times before wanting to drive my Ferrari off a cliff. I'm not going to sell it back though, as I feel it's something that just needs to be played when I'm feeling it. The other game on the other hand isn't going to receive such mercy from me. The Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is a new WRPG that came out on Tuesday. It's a single-player third-person type deal, which is fairly typical, but what really drew me to it is how the game is stylized. Everything is very fantastic-looking, where everything glows brightly in interesting colors that blend so nicely and I felt it was worth spending $60 on. I did play the demo prior to buying it, which I felt was entertaining enough, but once I got into the actual game, I wasn't even interested enough to read any of the dialogue. So, at some point, I will be heading back to Gamestop and selling it back. I would just go back to playing Skyrim full time, but jesus, I've played the fuck out of it. So I'm taking a break from that, leaving me with next to nothing to do in my free time. And with no real interest in Halo MP and no substantial Halo 4 news, there is not really anything in the gaming community that I'm even remotely interested in. Yes, I know Mass Effect 3 comes out ...at some point next month I think, but I finally lost my motivation for it half way through ME2. Nothing is calling out to me.</div>
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I feel like I'm going into a vegetative state today in my boredom. Throughout the day I tweeted a bunch, hoping I would get any sort of conversation going, and, as per usual, not much of anything, at least until about 8PM. I don't believe in silly things like curses but god fucking damnit, I seem to have a curse that when I post or say anything on the internet, whether it be this blog, forum posts (especially), or just anything where I'm looking for feedback or just talking to someone, and I get jack shit. Sure, some views here and there but rarely does anyone ever actually say something back, and that is my biggest pet-peeve. You could put the sound of someone chewing food obnoxiously loud with their mouth open right in my ear on a loop and it still wouldn't bug me as much not being responded to. I mean, isn't that what the internet is for? ESPECIALLY Twitter and Facebook? Why does anyone put something on the internet? Because we want to share it with other people and have people respond to us. Or am I crazy on this? If you ever watch Scrubs, there's a scene in the later episodes where Ted, who is the hospital's cowardly and spineless lawyer, is sitting with his group of friends and no one even realizes he's there. I post something, maybe a couple responses, when I comment, all other comments stop. Am I just annoying? If I am, please tell me, because I will stop. This sort of paradigm really makes me hate the fact that it's the one place I always am. It's to the point where I am actually considering living my own version of "Into the Wild," except that I wouldn't go to Alaska. I'd probably end up just moving to Portland or Seattle... or an island in the caribbean, working as a bartender or a deckhand on a fishing ship (and yes, this is an actual contingency plan of mine in the case of all other post-college plans failing). </div>
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What makes it even worse is that I go to the internet so that I CAN talk to people, but it's a format of communication that I just feel uncomfortable with nowadays. And yet, I don't really talk to many people in real life because I'm surrounded by people that are so unlike me. The people I want to talk to and be with are, for all intensive purposes, inside my computer and in my phone. They may as well be figments of my imagination; my imaginary friends... </div>
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So yeah... I know, not the most joyful of posts, and on my birthday too, but I don't drink at all and there's not much in the way of gifts that I want, I have to wake up in seven hours and endure my busiest day of the week, which also has two exams, and then another on Friday, after which I am driving six horrid hours back home (mostly just to get my new tires put on my car)... *sigh*</div>
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So, I leave you with "The Happy Birthday Song," by Andrew Bird. Enjoy!</div>
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Until next time...</div>Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-89684851242334647652012-02-07T21:31:00.000-06:002012-02-07T21:31:17.343-06:00Recently Added Hey all! I am slightly busy at this juncture, so as a sort of cop out (in case I don't get to actually writing a blog this week), I am just going to post a list of brand new songs I have just downloaded. Chances are that I will be writing tomorrow, since it's my day off, or Thursday, as it is my birthday. So stay tuned on that front. In the mean time, enjoy all these new songs! The songs with asterisks preceding them are ones that I got particularly into. Enjoy!<br />
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Twin Sister- All Around and Away We Go:</div>
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Real Estate- Easy:</div>
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Real Estate- Green Aisles:</div>
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Real Estate- It's Real:</div>
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Destroyer- Painter In Your Pocket:<br />
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John Talabot- Destiny (feat. Pional):</div>
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John Talabot- When the Past was Present:</div>
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John Talabot- So will be Now... (feat. Pional):</div>
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*Washed Out- New Theory:</div>
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Washed Out- Eyes Be Close:<br />
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*Washed Out- Soft:</div>
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Hello, Blue Roses- Shadow Falls:</div>
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Small Black- Despicable Dogs (Washed Out Remix):</div>
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*St. Vincent- Cruel:</div>
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*Madeon- Pop Culture (Live Mashup):</div>
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And I suppose I'll add a new favorite video to tag along with the Madeon song:<br />
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Yes, I am starting to learn some of these moves, primarily the sequence from 0:43-0:56. To that, I say:<br />
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Until next time...Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-35302165605812651092012-02-01T16:07:00.000-06:002012-04-09T09:17:24.271-05:00Reclaimer (Halo 4 predictions) [UPDATED] Hey all! In light of recent rumors and discussions, I feel this is a good time to go through my predictions for Halo 4. I haven't dealt with this subject since the concept art trailer that was released at Halo Fest. I got my Cotton Candy Trix yogurt (which is easily the best flavor) and I'm ready to unleash some mad logical predictions to your faces. Let's do this.<br />
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->UPDATES are at the bottom!<-<br />
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BE FOREWARNED, SOME SPOILERS AHEAD (from Glasslands and Primordium)</div>
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First, let's deal with the basics. From the announcement trailer for Halo 4, we can put together the plainly obvious. Master Chief and Cortana are back (Huzzahs are in order simply for that) and the back half of the Forward Unto Dawn is being pulled into the giant mechanical butthole of the mysterious forerunner planet that we see at after the credits of Halo 3 (Legendary difficulty). Okay, we got our opening part for the premise of Halo 4 and, what has now been dubbed, The Reclaimer Trilogy. </div>
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Fast forward to Halo Fest 2011, where, at the Halo 4 panel, we got a couple new bits of info, along with the concept trailer I am about to discuss. First though, let's get the small bit out of the way- the music and sounds of Halo 4. The new sound director, who's name has escaped me..., is really making a change in the tone of the music. Most people instantly likened what little we have heard so far to the sounds and music of the Mass Effect series. This seemed to leave a bad taste in many peoples' mouths, considering it as being 'unoriginal' and taking away from the wondiferous sounds that Marty O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori gave us for 10 years. While I will miss those signature sounds, the fact of the matter is, is that it's a new era in the Halo universe, one in which is a flourishing renaissance of forgotten history and knowledge that Humanity, and the rest of the galaxy is uncovering. It's a time when the galaxy is moving out of what I would liken to being the dark ages of Europe, before the wealth of knowledge and art set them back on track. It's a time when we are venturing into very unknown territory, and by "us," I don't just mean Humanity, I mean all of the known sentient species in our galaxy, mainly the Sangheili and Humans. We walk into the dark, vast unknown, and I feel that what we've heard so far captures that tone so very well, regardless if these sounds are familiar. Now, 343i obviously doesn't feel like pissing off their fans, so I have a feeling that we'll be hearing stuff similar to what we've known in the past. And with the sound effects, it's a constant strive for newer, in-your-face sounds, with a bigger punch to them (in the context of gunfire and explosions). </div>
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Also during the Halo 4 panel, we got to see a bunch of concept art pieces put together for a small trailer for us to sink our teeth into, and sink our teeth we did. The night of the Halo 4 panel, I wrote a small article discussing what we are seeing and making connections to other things we've seen/heard in the past, and at Halo Fest. I'll link the video just below, and then I'll copy/paste the article below that.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/vAKmu2yn3Fk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;">"Mind you, this is somewhat lengthy, but if you want to know what I feel is going to happen in Halo 4, you WANT to read this. I feel it's quite well reasoned and the community should see and discuss. </span><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;">Hey all! By now I imagine most of us have seen </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAKmu2yn3Fk&amp;feature=mh_lolz&amp;list=HL1314583249" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(52, 158, 219); -webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.2s; -webkit-transition-property: color; -webkit-transition-timing-function: linear; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAKmu2yn3Fk&amp;feature=mh_lolz&amp;list=HL1314583249">this</a><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;"> by now. But what sort of information can we gather from it? With some speculation and logical reasoning, I imagine we can gather a fair bit. And if you think about the video in a chronological order, it makes a TON of sense. </span><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;">0:07- We start out with an alien planet that actually looks quite natural, contrary to the mysterious planet we've been seeing the whole time. But what makes it weird is that it transitions to the Forward Unto Dawn plunging into the planet, engines first. This type of transition sort of implies that it's continuity cutting and that the artificial planet and the natural looking planet are one and the same. This, and a specific point that I will bring up in a little bit may support this. </span><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;">0:27- We see next the ship has crashed, presumably, inside the dyson sphere and we see the chief coming out of the launch bay that he crashed into at the end of Halo 3. From here is the searching portion. </span><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;">0:30- The next set of images are of the master chief looking out onto massive backdrops and forerunner structures. It is here that I want to explain a small theory. </span><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;">Today at the Halo 4 panel, Frankie stated that these forerunner structures and technology aren't abandoned and offline. They are very much online. It has been theorized that the MC will be acquiring some Forerunner armor for himself. And with Cortana well on her way to rampancy, her life is very much at risk. It can be seen and read in Halo: Cryptum that Forerunner AI lasted so very much longer than human AI ever had a chance of. With Cortana's longevity at stake and MC's armor being more make-shift than it ever has at this point, and with all this running Forerunner stuff online, I would imagine that somewhere along the way, these problems will be addressed and fixed. By which I mean, Cortana is going to be going through some forerunner upgrades to make her life-span last much longer, while the chief will receive some new toys. Though I imagine this wouldn't happen until the end of Halo 4-the beginning of Halo 5 (in the same way he went from Mk V to Mk Vi in Halo 2). I really wanted to bring this up instead of the Halo Fest music during the Q&A session, but it was likely that they wouldn't be saying much of anything. Also at the Halo 4 display at Halo Fest, we see Cortana in a... curled up position, very forlorn looking and sad. Surrounded by the black of space, and her impending rampancy, her light is flickering out and will probably be a huge issue in Halo 4. PLEASE DISCUSS!! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;">Now back to the video: 1:01 </span><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;">The next big theory starts here. We see what look to be Human vessels heading into the same planet that the Chief is in. I presume these are Human mostly due to the 2 pelicans flying along side them. And I say they're heading into the planet because if you look in the background, it looks quite the same. And if you have been to Halo Fest this weekend, and have seen the Halo 4 display, </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mdBHg41XoQ" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(52, 158, 219); -webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.2s; -webkit-transition-property: color; -webkit-transition-timing-function: linear; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mdBHg41XoQ">seen here</a><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;">, we see the picture titled, "Grandeur." This picture is of a UNSC vessel over "an alien planet." A planet quite like the one from the beginning of the concept art video? And if the two planets are one and the same, these 2 pieces of art pretty much shout out to the audience that the UNSC was able to receive Cortana's stress beacon (from Halo 3) and they have come to rescue her and the chief, because at this point, the stuff they know is quite valuable to the Humans. </span><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;">1:10- We see the chief looking upon Forerunner ships being deployed (Primordium cover art). VERY INTERESTING POINT that supports other theory that will be stated in a moment. </span><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;">1:13- ship wreckage everywhere floating around space. Like I said before, if you take this video in a chronological manner, it probably means that the UNSC forces sent to retrieve the chief and cortana have been decimated by the Forerunner ships we have just seen launching. </span><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;">We see the Halo 4 logo. </span><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;">1:30- We see a non-organic being that is humanoid in shape but with a bright blood-red eye, which, with a few exceptions, tends to imply rampancy in AIs. Presumably forerunner, these humanoid machines are, i imagine, going to be our new primary enemies, and the ones that have attacked the UNSC forces. You can see the full imagine in </span><a href="http://halo.xbox.com/forums/general/f/14/t/25312.aspx" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(52, 158, 219); -webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.2s; -webkit-transition-property: color; -webkit-transition-timing-function: linear; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://halo.xbox.com/forums/general/f/14/t/25312.aspx">here</a><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;"> </span><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;">So what do you all think? I am quite excited to see what is in store for us in Halo 4! Please discuss everyone! </span><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;">P.S.- One more side theory: </span><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;">This new trilogy is called "The Reclaimer Trilogy." When one reads this, they must have to wonder why that name and what significance does it have in representing the overall story? Once MC and Cortana are all fixed up and Forerunnerfied, we will see them spearheading the movement to (Drumroll please) RECLAIM this technology from the now rampant AI that has taken over. Once this trilogy is over, The chief and cortana will have helped humanity turn to a new age with new knowledge and history and technology. These characters will usher in a new age."</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;"> Okay, now, with all of that in mind, I'd like to clarify a couple things. Certain aspects I feel I have misinterpreted, mainly being the presence of marines within the Dyson Sphere. After further analysis, I do feel that after the forerunner-UNSC battle outside of the sphere, which I still feel will happen, we will get a ship or 2 in there and we will have marines fighting alongside us. And while I really got hooked on the idea of being pretty alone throughout the game, I suppose I can deal with marine presence. And might I add, before moving on, that I think it's possible that the UNSC has found a map of these worlds in Onyx after the retrieval of the Spartans and Halsey.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #364859; font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #364859;"> </span><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">But perhaps I should first deal with the Forward Unto Dawn. It's clearly being ripped apart and shot at by the Forerunner defensive systems. It makes perfect sense from a mechanistic view of nature and society that there are anti-bodies to fend off whatever is viewed as a threat. The UNSC is going to have to fight their way into the planet. That's why I feel there will be a major space battle to witness in Halo 4 that will either end in two ways: First, Master Chief and Cortana manage to disarm the defensive systems and the sentinels are disabled, or (and I feel this is more unlikely) The UNSC Infinity, which is the UNSC's newest prototype warship, which is outfitted with as much recovered Forerunner tech on it as it could hold is going to come in and somehow achieve the same thing, allowing the remaining UNSC ships to enter the planet. In either case, Marines will be touching the ground and will be fighting our new "ancient enemy" with us. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #364859; font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: KonsensRegular, Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #364859;"> </span><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Which brings me to my next point, the ancient enemy. I theorized that the ancient enemy was none other than now-rampant A.I.-controlled forerunner tech. This theory has gone in a new direction for me. In one of the terminals from Halo: CEA, 343GS discovers a crashed ship of unknown origin. He never ends up seeing the inhabitants of the ship and that's pretty much where that little bit ends. Now, time and time again, we've heard that CEA, Glasslands, Cryptum, and Primordium have major ties with Halo 4, so I think it's pretty safe to say that the crashed unknown ship holds our new enemy within. While they are obviously dead now, if not from the crash then from the destruction of Installation 04, I think we're going to get to see the face of this enemy in Halo 4. The picture above depicts what is presumably this new enemy, which is clearly mechanical, instead of organic, so we can at least assume that it's not the Flood...yet. I definitely feel we will be encountering the flood at least once more by the end of this trilogy. But if this new enemy isn't rampant AI, then what the fuck is it? Well, right now, I can't say for sure, as this picture and the CEA terminal are our only prevalent clues so far. I'd also like to add that in Glasslands, 343i is clearly setting up a new war between the Humans and the Sangheili, who I feel we will being seeing again sometime soon. Possibly a race between the UNSC and the Sangheili sects to gain Forerunner tech. I see their presence in Halo 4 being similar to that of Halo 3. They show up here and there, but they're more of an after thought compared to the bigger issues of the game. But amongst all of our various enemies, we still have friends- the Huragok .</span></span></span></div>
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Out with the old.</div>
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In with the new.</div>
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And finally, I'd like to go over the entirety of the Reclaim trilogy.</div>
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I'd like to start by saying that I still stand by what I said in the Concept analysis post above. By the end of the Reclaimer Trilogy, Humanity, and subsequently, all of the other species will have regained their lost histories, which will usher in a new age in the galaxy. Past this though, I feel that Primordium really has more ties with this than with just Halo 4. Mainly the idea of the ingrained personalities that are acting subconsciously in MC and Cortana, and possibly Noble 6, as Natalie predicted. Now, I can't really speak on what is discussed in Primordium because the audiobook hasn't come out yet. I was pretty blown away and gave an audible "Holy fuck," after reading her theory. So for specifics and predictions, I recommend reading over her review and analysis of Primordium: <a href="http://grizzlei.blogspot.com/2012/01/im-going-to-warn-you-right-now-that-im.html" target="_blank">http://grizzlei.blogspot.com/2012/01/im-going-to-warn-you-right-now-that-im.html</a></div>
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Now, every story has its end, and that includes Master Chief's and Cortana's story. I obviously can't say for sure at this point, but I think this trilogy will finally take their lives. And while it is sad, if my theory is correct, they will have almost single-handedly ushered in a new age of the galaxy. Whether they end up dying or not, I think we're in for one major ride for the next few years.</div>
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On a side note, which is still Halo related, there are rumors circulating around saying that at the end of this month, Microsoft is going to be holding a presser which will feature something big for Halo 4. Laird feels that we will be getting it even sooner than that, particularly during the Super Bowl. I have patience, but it's obviously not infinite, so I'm hoping that Laird is correct. Kevin and I have also been looking for signs for Halo Fest 2012, which is by no means confirmed at this point. I will say though, that one of the people who dealt pretty heavily with Halo Fest 2011 has been very quiet about what they are working on. I can only guess that Halo Fest is coming back as an annual thing. But, as I always say, only time will tell. So stay tuned, folks.</div>
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UPDATE: <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; line-height: 18px;">I did manage to forget a semi-crucial detail in that ( Primordium SPOILERS): we'll most likely be meeting the Librarian and the Didact in some incarnation in The Reclaimer Trilogy, if not in Halo 4, and that the UNSC Infinity is using a duplicate of 343 Guilty Spark as its shipboard AI, which lends itself to my theory of the Infinity coming in and halting the forerunner defensive systems.</span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">UPDATE (3/5/2012): A new Vidoc came out today that shows the first behind-the scenes look at making Halo 4! It showed us in-game footage, which looks fucking amazing by the way, two new multiplayer maps, and a fandful of other stuff. I am quite interested in how 343i is going to do the Spartan IV storyline with multiplayer. Check out the new vidoc just below!</span></div>
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UPDATE (3/11/12): After doing a little reading on Halo wikia, I was looking over the Spartan IV program. Evidently I overlooked the bit in Halo: Glasslands when Parangosky mentioned that Spartan IVs were already being deployed and that some were stationed on the UNSC <i>Infinity. </i>So, assuming that I am correct in how we'll be seeing the <i>Infinity </i>in Halo 4, presumably, that means we'll also be seeing Spartan IVs in action during the campaign. That is simple speculation. Now, 343i has confirmed that Multiplayer is now being integrated into the official storyline of Halo, and features the Spartan IVs. I can't say for sure whether those stationed on the <i>Infinity </i>will simply end up being the MP storyline, or if they will be effecting the main campaign and Master Chief. Personally, when it was first brought up in Glasslands, I really didn't think that they would be coming up so quickly, otherwise I would've mentioned them in the original article instead of this update... In any event, I hope this bit intrigued some folks. Keep checking back in for more news and updates!</div>
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UPDATE (4/7/12): There has been some leaked info from the up-and-coming May issue of Game Informer magazine that is featuring Halo 4. I want to first note that, while I do pay some attention to the multi-player details, my main focus is on the campaign and plot details. So that being said, the GI article mainly seems to focus on the Multiplayer aspect, but there are certain features that seem to be carried over from the campaign side of things. Most notably, because it's something totally new, is what's apparently called "Forerunner Vision," which let's you look through walls and barriers. Seeing as the campaign generally sets up the MP side of things in Halo games, and considering it's called FORERUNNER Vision, that it's something we'll be getting to use at some, or possibly many, point(s) throughout the campaign. Multiplayer is, at least from my understanding, being called "Spartan Ops" now. From the description I've read, which is either word-for-word or could also be the dude's interpretation of it, All MP seems to be taking place ON the UNSC <i>Infinity</i> while it takes them into deep space for a secret mission. When I read it like that, I got the feeling that the <i>Infinity</i> may not be seen in Halo 4 after all, or at least in the campaign. If this were the case, then the <i>Infinity</i> won't be coming and saving the day for the UNSC from Forerunner defense systems and it will most likely be up to the Chief and Cortana. Thinking back, it's not that I don't think the UNSC Navy can't take care of themselves, but we almost always see them losing and now they're facing forerunner teach straight on instead of the Covy version, which they also had a hard time with. </div>
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Past those bits, we also had a linked pic of one of the article pages, while most of it was just words, there was a picture of an Elite Minor that wasn't wearing bracers on its forearms like they always have. It was a little weird for me to look at, the balance of blue to brown was odd because the arms are naked besides the shoulder pauldrons. Apparently, though, the Elites won't be making a comeback to MP. Understandable, considering that it's all S-IVs onboard a starship. So I think it's without a doubt that we'll be once again killing the Covenant once again, or at least seeing them. I still feel like they'll be the more seldom of our enemies, but only time will tell. In the meantime, Halo Waypoint moderators have since deleted info on the thread leaking it, and the magazine photo has also been taken down. Looks like we'll have to wait a week or so until the May issue hits shelves, not to mention the Halo 4 info that, I imagine, will be released at PAX East, which is happening right now. </div>
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UPDATE:(4/9/12): I found scans of the full Halo article in the next issue of Game Informer. Enjoy! <a href="http://www.halodestiny.net/news-1888-la-totalite-des-scans-gameinformer.html#skip" target="_blank">http://www.halodestiny.net/news-1888-la-totalite-des-scans-gameinformer.html#skip</a></div>
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On that note, I think I'll end it here. I leave you in the capable hands of two songs today: "Reclaimer," by Marty O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori, and "Undying Love," by Two Steps from Hell, which was featured in the Halo Fest 2011 trailer. Enjoy!</div>
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& yes, the Halo Fest trailer DID bring a tear or two to my eyes.</div>
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"Believe again"</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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<br /></div>Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-42951845460337371722012-02-01T00:11:00.000-06:002012-02-01T00:18:56.784-06:00Dissent (The Grey review/discussion) I just got back from seeing the movie, "The Grey," with Bob and Zach. This post is going to be a pseudo review, with focuses on discussing the themes of the film. Yes, I am not one to care much about spoilers, but for all those that DO care about spoilers, I'll say this: Go see it. It may be a personal connection I felt with the movie, but everyone else seemed to be under the same impression. It's at least a solid 8/10. But wait, there's more to read before the spoilers!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLpt3gIOXqlahIGBt6iIsuqVBtfgYpomh1ZwE6AP-COsvvnPY4d5EePNsIRR2KUqvJ7C_dwB17WLQgQXeD_lRrKngXcWalv24anJo8Xg4CtFoES0TOlQVQhuzRnQPmL8l7V5tcTXfJ2eh/s1600/n707159413_423168_568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLpt3gIOXqlahIGBt6iIsuqVBtfgYpomh1ZwE6AP-COsvvnPY4d5EePNsIRR2KUqvJ7C_dwB17WLQgQXeD_lRrKngXcWalv24anJo8Xg4CtFoES0TOlQVQhuzRnQPmL8l7V5tcTXfJ2eh/s400/n707159413_423168_568.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(For those curious, this was a school project of mine from back in high school)</div>
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I went into this movie unsure of what to make of it, and throughout the first half, I had a little trouble getting into it, simply because from the moment it started, I was viewing it as a reviewer rather than simple audience, and with full intent of writing this blog as soon as I got back. By the end, I was more than fully immersed in it. What also helped is that the wolf is my favorite animal. So getting to see them in action always makes me happy. But I'd be lying if I said this movie didn't hit home in so many other ways. By the end, I felt like this movie was tailor-made for me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzIxHTcmiTC1umMucvTqJwvPT_PJV1wJp2O_xbCDZKJ7qCg0WImIX4muwPgi9yBSqN-dWovIEz1VXR0nLgci-8Z_xXbNw-dvfoMXs-kI42sp2jzee1PkbKihLEqHh7d0I1QvQb5PVbMPy/s1600/n707159413_423171_3973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzIxHTcmiTC1umMucvTqJwvPT_PJV1wJp2O_xbCDZKJ7qCg0WImIX4muwPgi9yBSqN-dWovIEz1VXR0nLgci-8Z_xXbNw-dvfoMXs-kI42sp2jzee1PkbKihLEqHh7d0I1QvQb5PVbMPy/s400/n707159413_423171_3973.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(And another one I did in my spare time)</div>
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OH! Also, if you go see this movie, there is a tiny shot after the credits. Personally, I didn't feel is was that satisfying of an after-credits shot. If you don't like sitting through credits, don't wait up. It's literally just 5 seconds of one shot, which I will explain down below, near the end of this.</div>
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------SPOILER LAND! BEWARE OF WOLVES!------</div>
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The movie begins with the introduction of Liam Neeson's character, Ottway. He works with Alaskan drillers as a protector from wolves who occasionally attack the workers. He narrates his living conditions, but in short: he lives in the fringe of society; pretty off the grid, not unlike those he works with and survives with throughout the movie. Ottway silently laments to himself about his long-lost lover (whether she is dead, or just left him, we still don't know at this point). Feeling like he has nothing left to live for, he gets down on bended knee in the middle of an empty, snow-covered street. He puts the barrel of his rifle in his mouth and begins reaching for the trigger. He's stopped, though, by the haunting echo of howling wolves in the mountains. Right away, I could feel the pull of destiny awaiting him. So ominous and chilling. But before I continue, I want to get it out of the way.</div>
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The reason I didn't rate this movie a 9/10 or even a 10/10, was because I was able to correctly predict what was going to happen to each character and whatnot. The movie is relatively predictable overall, but how minor that is in the face of what this film is saying.</div>
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Okay, so as not to spoil every bit of the movie, I will just pick certain scenes to discuss that really stood out to me. First, as it is not really a spoiler, Ottway is caught in a plane crash, which I must say, was pretty fucking intense, in particular the last shot of the plane still being in the air, when we see Ottway's face panicing face rushing through open air, as the side of the plane has presumable ripped away. I can only imagine the horror of it (not to mention all the rushing snow flooding the plane and heightening the tension of it).</div>
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Also during these opening scenes, Ottway, who is very much preoccupied with his lamenting, slips in and out of a recurring dream about his lost love. What made these so noteworthy for me, even as they were happening was the transition they used from the dream to what was real. Hmm. That is actually a good example of one of the major themes, but we'll get into that in a moment. In any case, I absolutely loved how they transitioned those scenes. Another reason why I liked this movie is because it's set in a snowy forest, which I always find very pleasing to the eye. Yet it is such a harsh environment, and they REALLY show that aspect of it.</div>
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The next scene I want to discuss is one that really affected me personally. Shortly after the plane crash, at night, Ottway is searching the wreckage when he comes across the flight attendant's body, which is moving. As he gets closer, he see that a huge black wolf is eating the back of her head. Ottway begins to charge at it, hoping to protect the body when out of fucking nowhere a wolf jumps him and begins biting the shit out of his leg. Now, I knew there were wolves in this movie. It's partly why I saw it. But holy balls, did that happen so quickly and terrifying. Some of my closer readers may know that back in 7th grade, my dog suddenly and without warning did pretty much the same thing to me, except to my face. Unfortunately, it happened again my freshman year of high school. That time, we finally had to put him down... I now have two scars on my face as well as a tiny fold on the inside of my upper lip. So when this happened out of fucking nowhere, it really took me back to that, which was personally terrifying for me. The reason I bring this particular attack over any of the others, is because of the scene's timing, you can sorta feel the others coming. Like I said, it's predictable, but it hit home in more ways than with most people, I'd venture to guess...</div>
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Throughout the first while of this movie, I was searching for what the themes were. While the primary one is really explicitly said at/near the end, the other major one that ends up leading to the primary one really shows through in the scenes when the few survivors are sitting around the fire talking. In particular, when one of the survivors, who is initially a huge asshole, is arguing with Ottway. In their dialogue, I picked up the theme maybe easier than I should have, but it's such a major issue that I take a ton of time thinking about: Nature and our roles in it. The asshole, Diaz, really represents the viewpoint that despite what we want to think happens to us after we die, nothing happens. We die and that's that. The other survivors are conventional in their viewpoints, believing in a higher power and heaven and whatnot. Ottway cuts in during Diaz's rant, saying that he actually agrees with Diaz. He wishes he didn't, he wishes he was wrong, but he just can't see it. The main difference between them though, is that Diaz is only looking at it in that way. Ottway agrees about the ruling forces of nature, rather than god, but he doesn't necessarily linger on it. Instead, he recognizes it, and uses it to help them survive their bleak situation. Again, hitting home, as this is my view on how society should be functioning now, or will be in the future: one that recognizes how nature works and works with it, instead of creating these pseudo realities that we put ourselves in, because when all is said and done, where are our morals and values when we are being overtaken by nature? Nowhere. Because like it or not, you may be in the comfort of your nice home, at your computer, reading this blog right now while doing a number of other things, I'm sure, but out there, in the wild, wolves like these exist, and if pretty much any of us were thrown into this situation, I can get we'd be shitting our pants, waiting for death to take us.</div>
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Yet again, this movie hit a particular fear of mine, when the dwindling group of survivors are tasked with shimmying across a make-shift rope across a huge gorge. I'll skip ahead to a shot too long NOT to be foreshadowing the death of the next member, Burke (I think... the guy with the glasses). He suffers from a major fear of heights, which I also consider to be one of my greatest fears. As anyone in the audience could see coming, the "rope" snaps and he goes slamming into a huge pine, then falling and smashing through tons of branches on his way down, which I could guess was about 20 feet... Definitely not a situation I want to be in, or even near. He goes into shock and begins hallucinating his daughter. Meanwhile, in the what is actually happening, the wolves begin tearing him apart while the remaining three rush down to try and save him. On the last drop, Diaz injures his knee.</div>
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Now, Diaz's death meant a lot to me. With his knee pretty fucked up, he felt he could literally not walk any further. He sits himself down on a log on the banks of the river they're traveling next to. Ottway and Hendrick try to talk him out of it, but he ends up justifying his own death, accepting it, ready to embrace it as he looks upon a breath-taking backdrop of the mountains, the forest, and the river beside him. The remaining two leave him as he sits there. He finally mutters, "I am not afraid." We don't see him again.</div>
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This really ends up being the major major theme: Don't fear death. Hendrick dies in the river after a wolf attack, leaving Ottway alone, the sole survivor of the crash, with seemingly no way out. He finally loses his cool that he's kept throughout the whole film. He begins bargaining with a god that does not answer. He finally begins traveling again, for a short time, before finally giving up. He begins going through the wallets of the dead, looking at their pictures, which conjures the familiar sight of his lost love, who tells him "Don't be afraid," before focusing on the IV drip. So needless to say, she is dead... </div>
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It's at this point that we hear a growl. Cut to a panning long shot which ends up focusing on old antlers and a rib cage. Ottway has managed his way into the wolves' den, which is exactly where he has been trying to get away from. Hah! There's another great example of the theme being presented. The wolves begin surrounding him. The Alpha wolf, which is pitch black and huge calls the others away. Now, what I haven't explained is that the Alpha has taken an interest in Ottway, as they are effectively one and the same. In the interest of time, I'll let you interpret that for yourselves, as there are a number of ways that they are alike. Anyway, the Alpha begins coming down slowly, challenging Ottway. Ottway begins dumping out his pack for small liquor bottles and a knife and begins taping them to his hands. He smashes the bottles on a rock, making them jagged and ready to cut. The real moment here is when he beings reciting a poem of his dad's that he brings up earlier in the film. It's a real homage to his father and the theme of the movie, and I gotta say, I was definitely getting teary-eyed, as were others in the theater. Ottway recites the poem as the camera slowly moves closer to his face, and then cutting to the Alpha's face and then back to Ottway. Ottway and the Alpha finally charge at one another and then it cuts to black. </div>
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The after-credit shot which I mentioned above is just a shot of the Alpha on his side, breathing heavily, not unlike the wolf at the beginning of the movie, when Ottway snipes it down, he puts his hand on it and waits for the breathing to stop. Anyway, the shot is of the Alpha's heavy-breathing body on its side, and the top of Ottway's head lying on top of the Alpha, looking up, presumably dead, or more poetically, in a similar state as the Alpha. </div>
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Finally, I'd like to take a moment and tell another story that made me feel connected with the film. A couple years ago, when I was living back home, there was a night when I suddenly felt this odd new feeling. It was one I had never felt before, but if I had to describe it, it was the feeling that I was going to die. There was nothing externally happening that was leading me to this feeling, it just came over me. "It's time. Whether you like it or not. Do what you will, because when you go to bed, you aren't waking up," is pretty much how I personified it. So, I laid in bed, and texted Zach, telling him about it. To this day, he thinks I'm crazy but I still think that it was going to happen somehow. I can't explain it. All I could do, was fight the unknown-ness of it all. I was scared of what may happen. I didn't believe in heaven or hell, but what would happen? I was about to go venturing into the vast unknown darkness, and I couldn't have been more terrified. I wanted to say goodbye though, so I wrote a letter to everyone, in case I didn't wake up. Anyway, the shot where Ottway is reciting his dad's poem, I could see that same look. Shaky breath, clenched jaw, trying so desperately to show no fear, trying to accept it, trying to not be afraid to die. </div>
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When I saw this in Toy Story 3, I knew the exact feeling. Having to accept the inevitable death that we all must eventually face. The only thing I feel I can say is that if you're facing death, remember those you love, and who love you. Don't face it alone, whether you are alone or not...</div>
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Since that night, I've had another near-death experience, and since then, the prospect doesn't scare me nearly as much. It's something we all must face. I feel more than lucky to have faced the feeling twice and come back from it. </div>
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So, with that, I suppose I'll end it. I leave you with a song that helped me get through the fear of the end. It's what I imagine the final journey to be like. This is "Dissent," by Andrew Bird.</div>
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Until next time...</div>Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-48711429137471071642012-01-31T01:34:00.000-06:002012-01-31T01:39:07.341-06:00Skyrim (Town 03) Hey all, what's this? Two blogs in two days? "But Jake," you may be wondering, "You haven't done consecutive blog days in so long! Why choose to return to your archaic ways?" Well? Three words:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">FUS RO DAH!!!</span></b></div>
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Let's start simply. If you don't know what Skyrim is, or are just not that interested in it to begin with, or are not interested in RPGs, then stop reading this. It's a small post that is being completely devoted to this. That being said, I beat the vast majority of Skyrim with my first character, Dovahkiin (yeah, I was unoriginal), and, as pretty much intended, I did anything and everything I could possibly do in my first play through. It kept me busy for a time, but eventually, I wanted to create a new character, but I didn't just want to do it all over again... So, recently, I figured out a way to enjoy the game in a new-ish sort of way. Instead of having an incredibly unrealistic adventure (and not by fantasy genre standards) where the single adventurer does literally everything in the entire country that needed doing. Sure, Dragonborn is something of a superhero, but come on. One dude, can't practically single-handedly end a civil war, become thane of major cities, become the leader of multiple guilds, AND save the world from dragons and a prophecy about the end of the world. It just doesn't seem realistic. SO, I've instead decided to play the game in a new way, where I create a bunch of characters that focus solely on one or two quest lines and that will be it. Sure, all the storylines are still in your perspective, but if the stories I'm playing become character-based stories, it forces me to play it in new ways. Essentially, Role-Playing in its most basic form. But what about the game's beginning?<br />
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Well, how I'm playing it is that all of the characters I have created were captured by the empire and all brought to Helgen for executions. Sure, you don't see your other characters standing in the background or anything, but there's enough people present for it to be plausible. As the character Dovahkiin bows his head down, Alduin comes down and fucks everything up. Each character gets out in their own ways (even though you go through the same path every time...). Once all the characters escaped Helgen, they began their own journeys through Skyrim. I've also made it so that Dovahkiin is the only one that ever ends up using Dragon Shouts. The other characters never gain them, and if they do, they aren't allowed to use them.<br />
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1. Dovahkiin<br />
Race: Probably Nord<br />
Class: No real focus, but considering sword and shield, idk, very basic<br />
Questline: The main questline, saving the world from Alduin the World Eater and fulfilling the prophecy.<br />
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2. Volknir<br />
Race: Imperial<br />
Class: Ranger, and then eventually a soldier, focusing on 2-handed swords and minor in archery<br />
Questline: Once, a lost son of an Imperial general, Volknir ran away for most of his life. After learning of his father's death in the land of Skyrim, he tries to cross the border to meet up with his body. After the attack at Helgen, he eventually joined the companions and learned to become a great swordsman. From there, he traveled North, to Solitude, where he would join the Empire and would eventually help defeat Jarl Ulfric and bring Skyrim back into the Empire.<br />
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3. Farlik<br />
Race: Nord<br />
Class: Warrior, with focuses on 1-handed axes and light armor<br />
Questline: A Stormcloak soldier who was part of the captured at Helgen. After escaping with Jarl Ulfric, he managed to help the reach of the Stormcloak's cause. Acquiring the Jagged Crown and almost crippling the Empire at the Battle of Whiterun, where we would be killed by Volknir in the city's center.<br />
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4. Faeroon<br />
Race: Dark Elf<br />
Class: Assassin, with focuses on dual Daedric daggers<br />
Questline: A Dark Elf refugee, after the attack at Helgen, would meander Skyrim, constantly fighting racism, and in the hopes to redeem himself by helping a child by killing an old caretaker in Riften, would eventually be inducted into the Dark Brotherhood. He would eventually become a master assassin and the leader of the Brotherhood.<br />
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5. Taelian<br />
Race: Wood Elf<br />
Class: Archer (with elven daggers)<br />
Questline: After escaping Helgen, Taelian the hunter would travel eastward, before arriving in Riften, where he would join the Thieves Guild and bringing it back to its former glory, as well as becoming a member of the Nightingale.<br />
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5. Saelion<br />
Race: High Elf<br />
Class: Mage<br />
Questline: A High Elf with unrivaled magical talent. After nearly escaping Helgen with his life, Saelion traveled to Winterhold where he would eventually quell the Eye of Magnus and become the Archmage of The College of Winterhold. He would continue his studies to become the strongest wizard in Skyrim, and would discover the secret to the Dragon Priest Masks.<br />
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6. Throne<br />
Race: Nord<br />
Class: Warrior, with focus on 2-handed axes and heavy armor<br />
Questline: Having ruthlessly fought his way out of the burning Helgen, Throne would wander Skyrim before eventually joining the Companions. Throne would eventually be brought into the inner circle, become a werewolf, and become the Harbinger of the Companions, and would wield the mighty axe, Wuuthrad.<br />
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7. Not sure yet... This will probably end up being the first DLC questline character<br />
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So keep this sorta thing in mind next time you feel bored of playing the game. You just gotta play it in newer ways.<br />
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So, with that, I leave you with my favorite song from Skyrim, "Town 03." You may recognize it from the Skyrim Concept Art Trailer or when you may be meandering through Whiterun. In any case, enjoy!<br />
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Until next time... FUS RO DAH!!!!Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-62494694946048210622012-01-30T00:08:00.000-06:002012-01-30T00:08:07.912-06:00Pursuit of Happiness Oh, it feels like it has been quite a time since I last wrote. I'm not totally sure what subjects I'll venture into, but I feel confident that I can at least manage navigating my towards, what I will feel is a sufficient blog to publish. I think at the very least I should begin with noteworthy bits from the week, and then see what we get into.<br />
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On Mondays, I usually wake up at around 8 or 9, and then wait until 2PM to go to my Math 113 class where I draw dragons instead of notes and focus on the gas station girl, hoping to catch her eye or something... I don't know. I'm working on that front. I'm trying to get into a situation to meet her. It's going okay, I suppose. We'll see tomorrow. Part of my worries is that the guy who she's friends with in the class may be her boyfriend. They seem to be relatively close to one another. Only time will tell, followed shortly by me telling on my blog. In the meantime, enjoy my cool picture of a Skyrim Dragon.<br />
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Speaking of Skyrim, I came up with a new way to play Skyrim in different ways and keep it interesting. From now on, I will be creating many characters with small storylines, aside from the main one. Think of it this way, When you play the game, you're usually all over the place, doing everything possible in the game to do. All with just ONE guy. One guy can't save the world from destruction, stop a civil war, ride dragons, go to heaven and come back, time travel, be a master swordsman, super-strong wizard, and a ninja thief, and do this, that, and the other thing, and also one time he saved your cat in a tree. One guy can't do all that. So now I have a small stable of characters that only focus on certain quests and questlines. For example, the character that saves the world from Alduin, then the character that reunifies the country locked in civil war, the wizard on a quest to become the wisest and most powerful, the character who quests for the dragon priest masks. I think of them all being separate but in the same world, each doing something specific. They all act in the same skyrim but never meet one another other than their origin, as prisoners about to be executed, when Alduin suddenly attacks. All get out in their own respective ways, although when I actually play through them, they all happen to be the same way because it's a dictated path. My newest character that I'm just about finished with is a character very akin to Aragorn from Lord of the Rings. Volknir is an Imperial warrior (who I decided was secretly rogue royalty) that uses a 2-handed sword, and light, and then eventually heavy armor, the wolf armor from the Companions, and an Elven blade, and his story line is that he is the one that reunifies Skyrim in the civil war. He fought for the Empire, because the Stormcloaks are all super racist and that's not progressive, I have a feeling there may be more for this character when the first DLC comes out.<br />
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So now I'm looking for a new character to build and which storyline they'll follow. Perhaps the Dark Brotherhood, because I have yet to even touch their storyline in any playthrough. Faeroon, the Dark Elf. Yep, that sounds good. But, until I get to that point, I feel it's more pertinent to talk about other things.<br />
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I really wanted to write this blog on thursday when my mind was racing. It's the day that I have all four of my classes so there was a lot of brain stimulation. It was a good day for connecting stuff from my classes together, primarily between my ethics, modern philosophy, and positive psychology classes. In Ethics, we've been dealing with the Harm principle and creating a system of laws that follow this principle. For a brief moment in that class, I saw myself becoming a lawyer, and then I shook that thought from my head. Then, while in Modern Philosophy, we continued our coverage of Hobbes' "Leviathan." During the lecture we discussed our senses, which I am very interested in already. I thought about about, if we can "recreate" images in our minds and "hear" in our minds using our memory/imagination, is it possible to recreate tastes, smells, and possibly touches that could re-stimulate us? Imagine just creating the taste of ... well whatever you find appealing (in my case: cotton candy), all the time? But this also deals with the branch of Philosophy called Epistemology, which asks, "What can I know?" There are two main ways of thinking about how ideas are formed. There is the side of Rationalism, which thinks that there is some knowledge that is completely original from our minds, without any provocation. Data in our DNA that is just part of us, the main example supporting this being mathematics, primarily geometry and how shapes can only be thought of as they are and in no other way(e.g. it's impossible to think of a square triangle). The other side, which I agree with, is called Empiricism, which states that any and all knowledge, any idea that we form, is based off of mixing and matching things in our memories into new ideas. They're formed from analyzing the impressions left on us via our senses. My personal thought on the Math thing is that Math was learned the same way anything else is, from reanalyzing impressions. They ask why we think of idea of the perfect sphere, but it doesn't actually exist in nature, so why have we thought of this? Because it's a stepping stone to understanding how nature works. We call it a perfect shape, but what we should really be calling it is basic. The more perfect and unnatural it gets, the more basic the idea is, the further from understanding nature we are. We got the idea from seeing things that were circular in nature and we put it together, just like everything else humans have done and learned throughout their entire existence. But I digress on that subject, let's move on.<br />
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We also stopped on how dreams are formed and we didn't really dive into it, but I did put together a couple things from this and my knowledge on how the mind works in conjunction with its senses. I've talked briefly in the past about my interest in sensory-deprivation tanks, where people lose all of their senses and begin to hallucinate and do what I've been referring to as 'free thinking' - meditating. What's actually causing it is that, when you lose your senses, your mind has nothing tethering it to the real world, no sense distracting it and keeping it busy. So to compensate, and try to bring some semblance of reality back, it begins to make you hallucinate things. When I was researching this, I also figured out that that's also what happens when you go to sleep, when you close your eyes, your sight receptors turn off and it's effectively the same principle as the sense-deprivation tank. So, that idea, coupled with the chemical DMT, which a gland in your brain secretes when your asleep, causes dreams. Dreams are entirely based on things in your memory mixing and matching in your brain and creating new things. Your own world purely by your design, whether you realize it or not. Anyway, we then went on to the difference between knowing and believing. What it comes down to is not basing something you learn on faith, from someone else's mouth. If you don't learn it for yourself and re-experiment an idea for yourself, how can you truly know? Reasoning and experiencing for yourself, and reliable pattern recognition to help predict the future, but even knowing what we know, we have to maintain a constant observation on everything, because something may end up differently.<br />
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In Positive Psychology, we're still on the ever-going subject of what makes us happy and how the good life is different from pleasure because pleasure is very temporary, while the good life is being immersed in everything. In one of the slides, there was a quote from Aristotle that said, "Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of Human existence." I disagree. Life for humans, maybe, but not all life, the aim of life is to survive. The aim of happiness is society. Society is the embodiment to Humanity's unhappiness. Humans are forever unhappy, otherwise we wouldn't be constantly upgrading everything. If we were happy, why would we change anything? If we are unhappy with something, we change it so that we can be happier. This has led us to the creation of cities and society as we know it today and will know of it for a long time to come. I guess, more than anything, I know I'm happy just from that. I don't generally feel as though I need a change in how things are. I'm happy, in an unhappy society. As my Ethics TA reasoned out, from the moment we are born, we are already wanting our most primal want: To be infinitely powerful, forever. Our most primal want is wanting to be that which most consider as, "God." I'd agree, but my next question is whether or not we are capable of letting go of that and becoming truly altruistic and creating a new way of life. We also watched a video on the country of Bhutan who has a Gross National Happiness measurement. In the video they talk about how Bhutan has banned stuff like cigaretts and plastic bags to quell consumerism and keep things happy, because they feel that with consumerism, comes unhappiness. What I eventually saw, which never came up in the post-discussion (so I wonder if no one else noticed it), was that the citizens of Bhutan were not practicing what they preach. Eventually, they talk about how television was quite new to the country and it was creating unhappiness and people being addicted to TV. Ah, but I saw the real problem. Bhutan is tricking itself into being happy. They are trying to quell unhappiness, and yet, the Bhutan monarchy eventually allowed television in. That right there is the true unhappiness. The government and the citizens who bought all those TVs felt some unhappiness, some void that only the TV could fill. So don't kid yourself Bhutan. I did think that perhaps simply implementing a change can create unhappiness because it's exposing it to the public. The public who does not understand is the happier one. For example, if the citizens hadn't been exposed to the idea of television, they wouldn't have realized the lack of it.<br />
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I have been seeing a lot of people on my twitter feed and just in general being unhappy, even myself. I wasn't sure what to do with my time on Mondays and Wednesdays because they're so open. I was bored and unhappy too, but the key to getting rid of it all, is just letting go of it. The Other can't beat you if you don't play the game. Stop hearing 'No' and learn everything for yourself, so that you know, instead of just believing what they tell you. Be the best you, that you can be. Let go of what's right or what's wrong, good or bad, and just see things as happening. Embrace logic and explore the universe the way you want to. Let it all happen as it will, and it will. And if it doesn't? Well then who cares? Let it go and work towards the future instead of the past. With that, I leave you with the sounds of Steve Aoki's remix of "Pursuit of Happiness" (Not exactly my first pick, but it did the best job relating to the material), as well as a bonus video that I thought was awesome. It's a live version of Madeon's song, "Pop Culture." Enjoy!<br />
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For those of you who really feel like you're looking for some direction and happiness in your life, might I recommend for you an audiobook called "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao," by Dr. Wayne Dyer. I feel that's a good source of learning mindfulness and meditation.<br />
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Until next time...Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-6528336375659053292012-01-19T20:47:00.000-06:002012-01-20T15:27:10.132-06:00New Beat Let's set a quick scene: You're walking up a flight of white-carpeted stairs, the further up you get, the darker it becomes, the light covering the white-washed walls sinks behind you. A soft, soothing musical rhythm begins to fill your ears:<br />
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Time slows with each step as you get closer to the top of the stairs. The lights are gone, left behind on the level below. You turn right, intersecting with a short hallway, each ended by a bedroom. The bedroom on the left, lit up by a lamp next to the gray-sheeted bed. The room is empty. To the right, a closed door, bathed in darkness, the source of the oddly calming music laying in wait. You venture towards it, so spectacularly like, and yet unlike, a moth, both driven by your curiosity. What manner of creature lurks in this darkness, in a place that is more likely to be deserted than the room that is actually empty. The music draws you into the darkness. You twist the door knob and slowly take a step inside. The room is a dark place, but there is no menace to behold. Rather, there are tiny multi-colored christmas lights wrapping around the window straight ahead, extending leftwards behind a clock that tells no time and onward to another window. To the left, a bed with green silk sheets, a khaki comforter twisted and contorted from when I had woken up earlier that morning. Under the clock, my desk sits, with my computer's screen lit up, a white sun in the vast darkness of space, surrounded by the lights of distant stars. The music emanates from this bright white star. And sitting at the desk, is me, typing away, describing on my blog what it's like when you walk into my room. </div>
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I gotta say, after writing that, I really appreciate the way I set this up. I subconsciously set up my own private solar system! Perhaps now I have an actual reason to add some more christmas lights. Either way, that was enjoyable to write, I don't do that often enough. Now, we have our scene. Let's catch ourselves up from last week.</div>
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My last blog was the final part of my Halo story, which has now caught up to the present, but I left it with a brief announcement about how I was going to be the guest on The Running Riot Podcast about my massive Halo collection. Everything went very nicely. You can go watch/listen to it on <a href="http://therunningriot.com/" target="_blank">http://therunningriot.com/</a>. Warning: there MAY be an echo during it at certain points, but don't quote me on there. Evidently, there were audio problems, but TRRPodcast tweeted that it was being edited.<br />
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The next day I packed up the car, picked up Matt, and together we headed for St. Louis. Matt is moving in with Mike and Steph, since Matt has just graduated from college. He convinced me to drive him down and I would spend the night there and drive the remaining two hours the next day. It was a pleasant drive filled with some wonderful new music for my earholes, provided, as always, by Matt and his wonderful music tastes. A list of the bands that we heard were:<br />
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-Toro Y Moi, which is disco-funk dance music- very fun to dance to.<br />
-Girls<br />
-St. Vincent<br />
-Real Estate<br />
-Destroyer<br />
-Youth Lagoon<br />
-and a couple other I don't remember the names to...<br />
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I already had Toro Y Moi's new album, "Underneath the Pine," so while it is still new to me, I had already heard his stuff. The other two that I got really into are Destroyer and Youth Lagoon. Both artists' music is <b><u>very</u></b> relaxing, and hypnotic, but so good. Certain songs have awesome crescendos, while other put you in this state and eventually you space out to the point where it almost feels like you're floating around in outer space. I know that sounds crazy, but you'll know what I'm talking about if you just lose yourself in the music. It just takes you out of where you are and puts you in a calm and focused state. I fell right asleep just the day before yesterday while listening to it. I'll throw up a couple examples, instead of rambling on.<br />
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This is "Kaputt," by Destroyer. I know the video begins somewhat oddly, trust me, the feeling is not lost on me, oh but the song is wondiferous. And the song above is "Montana," by Youth Lagoon.<br />
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So now Matt is in St. Louis with Mike, just a mere 2 1/2 hours away, just another reason that this semester at school will be pretty stupendous. Except that there is still more story to tell before I get into the next few months of my time, but just a couple smaller items, I promise...<br />
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I can honestly say that I have not been following SOPA or PIPA at all really, all I know is that SOPA wants to blacklist certain websites like TheCHIVE and Reddit, and even youtube if I understood it correctly, pretty much any website that somehow has to do with pirating or something...like I said, I haven't been following it. I had never even heard of PIPA until tomorrow and I know people seem to hate it just as much as they hate SOPA. I sort of have to side with the rest of the internet, and by extension, Humanity, because banning websites because of some other people is a bit harsh, don't you think? I'm on the internet, of course you think so. But in either case, it not like that's going to stop people from continuing what we've been doing. I mean, you're dealing with the internet community, there's no stopping them even if you wanted to. I don't think I've ever seen a more intuitive crowd, more fearless and willing than any other group of people I know. But I digress, after all, I may be blacklisted for this hahaha.<br />
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I bought a grouping of computer programs recently, all connected to one goal. I bought Parallels for the Mac, after which I bought the Windows 7 OS disc, and finally, a wee little game by the name of Star Wars: The Old Republic. Oh, yes, that's right. In fact, this blog was going to be half-dedicated to my adventures thus far in the game, except that I've run into a bit of a snag that I have yet to figure out...<br />
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You see, I installed Parallels, then Windows 7, and then finally SWTOR. When I started the game, I got a warning telling me that the game wouldn't be able to run properly because there were not enough CPUs dedicated to it. "Well, fuck," I said to myself, with just a hint on contempt. I was able to create my account, and even got as far as creating characters, but once I actually got to playing, it lagged so slowly that it actually took minutes to open the menu and quit back to the character screen... I searched through the Parallel settings, looking for some way to change it so that it worked, but to no avail. I tried the bootcamp route, but for some reason, it said that the bootcamp disc wasn't formatted correctly to install Windows 7. So now I'm stuck with like $300 worth of software that I am unable to use at the moment, and with time now-expiring on my SWTOR play-time... For the record, I made two characters, a Jedi Knight, who is the same race as Darth Maul, named Throne; and a Jedi Counselor, who is the human-like race that's blind, named Bornstellar, after the character from Halo Cryptum. When Tassi and Bob get started with this game in the summer, we're going to be playing as Sith.<br />
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And last, but not least by any measure, with the winter break over, the school semester has started back up. This semester I am taking:<br />
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-Intro to Contemporary Math, which I just hadn't gotten around to yet, so close to being done with my GenEds.<br />
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-Ethics, a Philosophy course which is being taught by the same man who taught my Logic class last semester, Dr. Hahn. The course covers the nature of ethics and how we use them in our lives.<br />
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-Modern Philosophy, which details the Modern Philosophical period (1500-1699), which really emphasizes on how we came to use the ethics we have today. In short, the history of our ethics. I hadn't known about this bit, so when it came up, I was elated to notice the connection between the two Philosophy courses.<br />
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-And finally, Positive Psychology, which ALSO has a major emphasis on Ethics and Philosophy, as it deals with what makes people happy and the strengths of people. Yet again, the connection was not lost on me.<br />
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So, besides my Math course, I had unintentionally created a theme for the semester- The nature of ethics and how we use them in society and where it's leading us. It was relatively easy to articulate the theme that I had subconsciously created for myself because, well, it's been the primary focus of my thoughts over the past few months. I always do manage to surprise myself like that, as if this was the movie "Paycheck" (With Ben Affleck), and I'm receiving guidance from a future version of me (which has been happening a lot to me lately). This was not my original plan when I signed up for these, they all just seemed interesting, but I guess that's it, isn't it? Last semester, I began working towards living a more positive life than I ever had done. So far, I think I've been pretty successful in that venture. This semester is going to be a good one. Besides Math, none of my classes are that uninteresting to me. Good things are coming.<br />
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<span style="color: lime;"><b><u>UPDATE (1/20/12):</u></b></span> I just went to my first Math lecture for the semester. My god, is it boring, I couldn't help but feel like I was stuck in a class full of 4th graders, or at least that's how the professor kept talking... This class is going to be quite awful, but hark! Hope yet remains. When I was sitting waiting for the class to end, I made eye contact with a girl sitting in the middle section of the lecture hall (I always sit on the right side, up against the wall). When the class ended, I began my walk out and she walked up towards the front of the hall, presumably to talk to the professor. That's when it hit me. She was wearing a short brown coat that had a fleece lining, a crimson skirt that reached down to her ankles, a string of some kind, with little coins hanging from it (imagine a gypsy dress), her wavy black hair lightly covering her eye. It was the girl from the gas station, the same girl I wrote about in my blog: <a href="http://oneoneseven-jakewhlr117.blogspot.com/2011/12/contact-high.html" target="_blank">http://oneoneseven-jakewhlr117.blogspot.com/2011/12/contact-high.html</a>. There is hope yet. Like I said above, good things are coming.<br />
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So that's what's going my way at the moment. I hope everyone is happy with where they are at right now, and if you're not, then change something. Create some new beats for yourself. Speaking of which, I leave you in the very-capable hands of Toro Y Moi's, "New Beat." Enjoy! :)<br />
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Until next time...Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-86362370225638472612012-01-12T01:49:00.000-06:002012-01-12T14:30:19.429-06:00Halo: Part 4: The Light at the End<br />
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-----Part 4: The Light at the End-----</div>
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-No Stone Unturned (Halo 3: ODST OST):</div>
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Halo Reach eventually came out and I had been playing it on and off throughout the year. It started out very strong; I played pretty much every day, just like with any Halo game that comes out, but eventually, my play time began tapering off. It was pretty typical of me to do though; that's what happens to just about every game I play after a while... By no means, however, does my waning interest in multiplayer effect my overall interest in Halo- far from it, in fact; my interest was still growing at an exponential rate.<br />
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I was still constantly doing research in my free time and keeping up with any and all news. During the summer, Bungie had been celebrating its 20th birthday and to keep up the festivities, they were auctioning off a bunch of very exclusive items, including, but not limited to original, one of a kind concept art from the days of Halo 2. Unfortunately I was unable to win anything from the first set of auctions. It was saddening, indeed, especially to see the Master Chief Helmet Detail piece get away from me... I couldn't really help it, however, as I was getting surgery done as the auctions were ending. But hope yet remained, as there were another set of concept art auctions.<br />
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Luckily, when the next set of auctions rolled around, I was lucky enough to win a huge piece of concept art, including nine separate pictures of the Covenant Ghost. Seen below:<br />
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A couple weeks went by and as luck would have it, I got an email telling me that I had a second-chance offer to buy the Master Chief Helmet Detail picture that I thought had gone away. I didn't waste a second jumping on the offer. It too would be mine.You can see it below:</div>
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I was also able to nab 1/100 prints of the Master Chief concept art that was famously fucked up by a flood in the Bungie Studio back when it was in Chicago. My collection was becoming something notable, though not to too many</div>
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July had finally come and along with it, San Diego Comic Con 2011. This time around, I was there to see 343 Industries talk about their first game, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Edition. I was excited, of course, but this also meant a chance to get to talk to those whom I had met the year before. The first thing on the Comic-Con schedule was an action figure signing by Todd McFarlane. While in line to buy the figures to get signed, I happened to see Alison Stroll and David Ellis of 343i come over. I called Alison over and we talked for a bit. They were there to do a quick interview with Mcfarlane for Halo Waypoint. The convention had just began and I had already gotten to see those who I wanted to talk to; I felt this was a great start.</div>
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During the 343i panel, I was able to get the very front and center. It was fantastic to be at, I guess I'll just leave it at that, as the game is now out and there's no point in going through what news was said... Although I will say that during the panel, Dan Ayoub, who was the Executive Producer on CEA, was sporting a shirt that I found to be something of a personal holy grail. It was a simple black t-shirt, but down the left side there was a faded '117.' As soon as the panel ended, I, along with a couple other intrigued folks came up to the stage and tried asking where we could buy it, but it was for not, as we were shooed from the stage by security. Before the end of the show, I happened to pass by David Ellis, who I had actually not met before. It was actually somewhat odd, as I only knew it was him from seeing his badge for a fraction of a second. We met and talked for a bit before bidding adieu to one another.</div>
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During this con, I had actually began talking to a number of other Halo fans on Twitter. It was the first time I had been really connecting myself to the community past those working at 343i. I was making new friends, and it felt great.</div>
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-Greatest Journey (Halo 3 OST):<br />
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The school semester had just started, but I was already heading back out. This time, I was heading out to Seattle for the first time to attend PAX, but much more importantly, Halo Fest. Oh, indeed this was my own personal Mecca, and I would not miss it for anything. </div>
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Prior to Halo Fest, however, 343i was holding a set of contests, one of which, was a machinima contest. I had just finished a new video that was a tribute to the Halo franchise celebrating the 10 year birthday that was just around the corner.<br />
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I entered it, but I ended up needing to change the song due to copyright issues, which meant also needing to recut it a little bit. Unfortunately, I had to use a song that I already had used in the past... but it yielded so much less work for me to do and it was considerably short notice. But it would have to do and I would have to make the best of it. The Halo Fest version can be seen below:<br />
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Unfortunately, I did not win the grand prize of getting a voice role on an upcoming episode of Red vs Blue. I did, however, manage to be one of the finalists, which meant that despite the video not actually being the conventional machinima, my video was still seen by those at Rooster Teeth and they thought it was good enough to be a finalist. If nothing else, I'm happy for that.<br />
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So I finally made it to Halo Fest 2011. I would've been able to visit Bungie, but my flight arrived too late for me to make it, you can imagine me giving a slight sigh as you read that, but it was okay, as that's not why I was there. I was finally able to meet those that I had met on twitter and while I was relatively shy, it was still awesome to finally meet my friends for the first time, but once bsangel had pointed out how I hadn't introduced myself, it became something of a joke.<br />
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I am about to commit a grave crime, in that I don't want to get into much detail about my time at Halo Fest. What I will say though is a short story that actually made its way on camera. The moment I walked into the building and stared at the big 'Halo Fest' projection on the ceiling, I was in absolute awe. I was standing on the escalator to what I could only imagine was the promised land. I walked through, mouth agape, marveling at every single bit of everything within the Halo Fest grounds. I meandered about until I found myself in the gift shop where I began purchasing things that I knew I would not be able to carry back to my hotel room, but I bought nonetheless. As I checked out, the lady politely asked how my day was. I stood silently for moment, thinking for the right words, until I finally said, "I don't say often that I am in heaven, but I am in heaven right now." What I, of course, neglected to mention, was that I am an Atheist, and that what I just said really meant a lot more than it may actually have seemed.<br />
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After one of the many panels that I attended, I finally got a chance to talk to Alison. We talked for a bit and I told her that story. She liked it so much that she wanted me to tell that story again, but on camera, for a future video that would be on Halo Waypoint. You can watch it below. Every single time I watch it, I feel super nostalgic and I wish I was back there, and next time it rolls around (which will hopefully be this next PAX and every other PAX thereafter), you can bet your sweet ass that I will be there. You can also check out my photo album from Halo Fest.<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150360100069414.402079.707159413&type=3" target="_blank">Halo Fest Album</a><br />
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I also was able to ask a question during the Halo 4 Panel, but instead of just doing that, I wanted to do something a little more special. I wanted to thank them, personally, and on behalf of the entire two-tiered theatre behind me. I had rehearsed it so many times the night before and when it came time, it went off without a hitch. I even got the entire theatre to applaud, which felt just as good and even better than how I imagined it. My follow-up question, however wasn't so spectacular, as I had to come up with one on the spot, but I was left with my hands shaking and my voice stuttering. In the video below, you can skip to 38:46 to hear me and my thanks.<br />
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And finally, I was actually able to obtain the 117 shirt that I craved so. The shirt is reserved exclusively to 343i employees, but, and this is not a lie, since I am One One Seven and my obsession is known by those at 343i, I got one. My endless thanks go out to Alison Stroll and Dan Ayoub for hooking me up when they wouldn't help anyone else on that particular matter.</div>
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-The Light at the End (Halo 3: ODST OST):</div>
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With Halo Fest 2011 behind me, I didn't have too much on the agenda in terms of Halo-related things. Halo CEA was just around the corner and I had heard of a new contest, bigger than either of the two I had done before. No, this would be my biggest challenge yet. This was the contest that would complete a dream of mine- the dream to become the biggest Halo fan ever, officially. 343i, along with Gametrailers.com and Spike TV, was holding the 'Halo Fan of the Decade' contest, and I knew without a doubt that I would win. I was only able to enter ONE picture to prove myself to the judges. I began putting together a collage of pictures from my collection album on facebook, but I didn't feel it, I could do more for it. As a side note, while I was putting together the collage, I got a facebook post from Kozi linking me to the contest page saying, "Do your thing, sir." Little did he know, I was already working on it. :)<br />
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So I drove home for the weekend with all my Halo stuff that I had at my apartment at school. I spent my entire first night, after driving six hours, carrying my entire collection down two floors to my basement where my LAN system was, which would be my backdrop. I had spoken to my dad earlier that week and he got shelves put up in my basement, one of which was above the TVs. I spent the entire next day and morning of the day after putting together my picture, filling it with every piece I could fit. I would have my TV's, each with a different Halo game on it, my framed Halo Legends posters, my original concept art, and my employee-only 117 shirt. I had this.<br />
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So, November 7th came, which was the cut-off date and judgement day. The only way I knew if I had won was by getting a phone call, and it didn't come. Now, if you hadn't noticed November 7th is 11/7, so I make the day a personal holiday in which I celebrate a number of things, one of which, obviously, is Halo. By the end of the day, I was slightly disappointed that I had never gotten that call...<br />
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The next day came, I went to class like usual, but when I got back, I had a message in my twitter inbox from Halo Waypoint asking if I was the same Jake Wheeler from the Halo Fest machinima contest, I said yeah, and then they asked for my phone number and email address. A sudden skip of my heart. "Why?" I asked. The response? They have been trying to get ahold of me for winning the contest. The temperature in my blood rose sharply, my breath getting heavier by the second; I had done it. I had won. I got a call from an unknown number. I picked it up and spoke to a man from Spike TV discussing the details of everything, now that I had won. I got off the phone and paraded about the house, cheering at my greatest victory. I had made a dream of mine come true, a dream that had been manifesting itself over the past nine years.<br />
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So, my picture was featured in the premiere commercial for the Living Monument and Halo CEA. There was kind of a mix-up in times and when the commercial was on in my timezone, but thankfully we recorded the entire movie that was playing in the meantime and we were able to see it nonetheless. I received tons of congratulations from people, including those at 343i, and after Halo Waypoint tweeted about it, I got about 40 new followers, which was really nice because I am something of a whore for followers and views (that includes this blog).</div>
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-Heavy Price Paid (Halo 2 OST):</div>
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Prior to Christmas, the Child's Play Auction dinner was held, and thanks to a friend of mine who was attending, I was able to get my hands on a one-of-a-kind piece of Halo 4 concept art, signed by Sparth. Now, it was done digitally, which means that it's technically a print, but I was assured that this was as original was it would come in a physical form, and that there was only one of these. There was also a set of online auctions on ebay for Child's Play, which was put together by my friend Laird. I was able to nab some more items, one of which was another one-of-a-kind piece of fan fiction that I fell in love with- "Halo: A Fistful of Arrows."<br />
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I won the one-and-only copy of Levi Hoffmeier's Halo fan-fiction book, "A Fistful of Arrows," as well as a copy of "Halo Evolutions I," which is also signed by all the authors. Very cool if you ask me. I did feel bad though, a friend of mine contacted me right after the 'Halo: Evolutions' auction ended asking me if I had won. I told him I had and as it turns out, he had put in a bid for $50, three seconds before it ended. For some reason though, it didn't register or something and I ended up winning it for $46. From what I remember, I had put in a max bid of $60, but even still... And to be perfectly honest, I don't need it. It was something small I felt I could get my hands on while getting more money towards the charity. So Keith, if you're reading, contact me about buying it. I was serious before when I asked if you were looking to get it before xmas or not.<br />
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I don't know, I kind of feel as though I'm not living up to the title of Halo Fan of the Decade. Which, to some of you may seem like the dumbest thing that I've ever said, and in a certain respect, I'd agree. It's melodramatic and is a "first-world problem." But I feel like I'm not doing enough, ya know? I could be doing more than just outright buying stuff for my collection. It was briefly mentioned a couple times after I won, and probably even more so without my knowing, but despite going out of my way to do stuff for Halo, like canceling my flight or driving 12 hours and spending two days just for one picture, the only thing I really do is just spend tons of money and collect everything I could. My friends in the Halo community do so much more than I do. They moderate forums, they create community sites, they lead the Halo community. Meanwhile, I sit in the dark corner surrounded by my stuff. I sit and observe those who are such big fans that they take the time to help all of the members of the community. Am I just biding my time for something?<br />
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When the Halo Fan of the Decade contest came up, I had next to no doubt in my mind that I would win, and I wasn't the only one. My initial picture that I was going to submit was a collage. When I was putting it together, Kozi wrote on my facebook wall. He linked me to the contest page and said, "Do your thing, sir." I was already ahead of him at that point, but it's the same story. I KNEW I would win, with only the briefest moment of hesitation when I saw my friend Kevin's entry picture. But even after seeing it, there was still no doubt in my mind that the title would be mine.<br />
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Even the night before the auctions were ended, I tweeted about how I was sure that the 'Fistful of Arrows' book would be mine. My friend Kevin brought up how I was so secure about winning it even with another 12 hours on the clock. I played it modestly, saying that in all honesty that I wasn't so sure about winning, but in the back of my head, I knew that it would be mine. Am I some sort of psychic? While I like the idea and think that would be sweet, I highly doubt that's the case. I just knew that it would be mine, despite any and all other people that were also reaching for it. My reason for collecting is now in flux. I am not being the halo collector in hopes that one day, I'll be crowned king. Now my collecting is something that's just gluttonous.<br />
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I need to find a new goal, something to work towards. The feeling is very reminiscent of when I used to play WoW. My ultimate goal in the game, past getting to level 80, was to gain the title of Ambassador. When I finally got the title, I literally didn't know what to do anymore... so I stopped playing. I would eventually come back for a short time, but now it's as far away as I can make it.<br />
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Perhaps I should semi-reveal an idea of mine that I've had since Thanks Giving? My friends, Colin, Kozi, Dan, Chris (Dan's brother), and Eric decided at the end of the summer that we would be going back into the world of machinima. We didn't have a name for our team or anything like that. Everything was very spur-of-the-moment. I had a couple story ideas in mind, but we ended up putting those on hold and we came up with a new story that hadn't really been seen within the Halo Universe. Perhaps I should've started with that- We wanted our story to fit within the boundaries of the Halo timeline, where it wouldn't effect anything in the canon. It would be a stand-alone story that would fit loosely into parts of other stories.<br />
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I was tasked with writing the script throughout the semester, but school came up and I got distracted by everything else that I never ended up writing it. There's some material for the characters and a story outline, but that's about it. Since being home we haven't talked about much, but I would very much like to get back into it, and write with them instead of me, by myself. I feel ideas may flow better that way. But the idea I had during Thanks Giving was something very different. I was thinking about The Halo Retrospective that Gametrailers.com did to celebrate the 10th birthday of Halo. I thought, what if we did a documentary of sorts? A series-long version of The Halo Retrospective? I would liken the series as being similar to like Ancient Aliens, or Halopedia done in a weekly show on youtube. We would delve deeply into certain story lines and characters and elaborate on them, theorize and talk about possibilities. We could also go into the community as well. We could go out and get interviews with major members of the community and maybe even those at Bungie and 343 Industries. This is the first I've brought this up to anyone, sans Kevin, who I had been talking to when i came up with it. It was my way of giving back to the community, I suppose, not to mention that it would yield much less work than other projects we had in mind... I'm not sure though.<br />
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I have been reorganizing my Halo collection on the shelves in my basement, as well as creating a massive battlefield with my Halo Mega Bloks on the shuffleboard just below the shelves. I've just bought a bunch of materials to help make the flat wooden top of the shuffleboard into a mountainous rough terrain with shrubbery about. I started carving out foam, but it's messy as hell and I don't know if I'll have time to finish it before I head back to school, and most definitely not before my interview with The Running Riot Podcast this Saturday night, which reminds me!<br />
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Tune in at 10:00PM ET/ 9:00PM CST to the Running Riot Podcast, where they will be interviewing me on my contest win and my collection! <a href="http://therunningriot.com/" target="_blank">http://therunningriot.com/</a><br />
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-At Any Cost (Halo Reach OST):<br />
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I'd like to take this time to really thank those that helped me reach this point- Alison Stroll and everyone else at 343 Industries, everyone at Bungie, Laird Maclean, Levi Hoffmeier, Kevin Hurd, and everyone else whom I consider a friend within the Halo community, but most of all, I'd like to thank my mom and dad. My mom was, and has been, willing to put up with mine and my dad's spending on all of this Halo merchandise, and my dad who, more than pretty much everyone, understood my passion for Halo and helped fuel it, and spent so much money on it all, because my parents are willing to support me and what I strive for, at any cost. Thanks.<br />
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So thank you, any and all who read this, and even more so to those who found it entertaining in any way. And while this is the end of my story, it is only the end for now. Time will bring more, as it naturally does. 2011 brought so many great things for me, and I can easily say that it's been my best year...ever, but now that it's 2012, I do worry, but newer and bigger things will come. So I end this story with one of my favorite songs from the Halo catalogue, "The Light at the End," by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori from the Halo 3: ODST OST. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.</div>
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Wake me, when you need me...</div>Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-73071758849435000262012-01-07T20:14:00.000-06:002012-01-07T20:14:05.752-06:00Feel It All Around From the ashes, I rise. I am the embodiment of the phoenix metaphor. I feel it's not safe to really go into it, but I feel stronger than ever right now. This week has been crazy, but like I said, "From the ashes, I rise."<br />
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Today has been a relatively interesting day. I have really been unable to focus. A good example is this particular blog. From a reader's standpoint, you can't see it, but this is actually the fourth paragraph that I've written. I actually started with the achievement list, then the fortune, and then the phoenix metaphor bit, and now here I am. It's been like that all day though. I began my day very suddenly when I was awoken to my mom needing me to figure out why she couldn't pay bills online through google chrome. It was fixed no problem, but I wonder if it somehow it has kind of started it all. I've been meaning to check out some new music that Matt recommended to me last night, as well as this cool thing called a music tree. If you don't know what it is, and you're looking for new music ever, what it is, is a website where you enter a musical artist that you like, hit expand, and it branches out into like 5 different directions to other artists that are very similar and you can keep doing that for each new artist. It is so cool and innovative. The one we used last night is <a href="http://audiomap.tuneglue.net/" target="_blank">http://audiomap.tuneglue.net/</a>. Check it out because I think i just found my new favorite tool for finding new stuff, other than constantly asking Matt or Mike, although Matt did agree with the notion of, 'why spend so much time researching when you can just ask someone that is trustworthy with musical taste?'<br />
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Anyway, my point is that I meant to start that way earlier today and I only just got to it because I was writing about it. For anyone else that has similar tastes in music as I do, which is mostly electronic stuff, mixes, and dance stuff, you may want to check out Jamie xx, Toro y Moi, Girls, Beach House, and Washed Out. I haven't delved into any of these yet, but they're names I've heard a number of times now and I think it's time to get my hands dirty and find some new tunes. I did check out Washed Out's song, "Feel it All Around," which I've just decided is going to be this blog's title and song choice. It's also the opening song to a new show that Matt showed me last night.<br />
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Portlandia is a newer show on IFC, and it just started it's second season yesterday (serendipitous indeed). It's a sketch comedy starring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein (who I think could be related to Alison Stroll of 343i, but how do you bring that up without sounding creepy? Well, I guess in a blog. Hopefully it worked.), as well as a bunch of other people who appear on SNL. Each episode does have it's own central story, but it breaks up and has other, unrelated sketches in between. The focus of it is the city of Portland, Oregon, which is full of hipsters and conventionally odd characters. The open the show by talking about how when the rest of the world is current, there is still a place in the country that is pretty much still stuck in the 90s- Portland. If that's really how Portland is, then I want to go to there. The type of comedy is very odd too; it's kind of subtle, but things always go haywire in their own way. It's very tailor-made for those people like Matt, Mike, and myself who are generally considered hipsters amongst the masses. I'm not quite so sure that those who consider themselves as the general person who goes with society and the times would really get into it as much, but I may be wrong. Check it out for sure though, because I can't name another show that's anything like this. Another show that is on IFC is called, "The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret," which stars David Cross. So I also plan on getting into that, as Matt told me that it's actually a bit funnier in its own way.<br />
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My dad just picked up Panda Express for me, and, as per usual, I opened up my fortune cookie just after starting to eat. And what did it say? "When in doubt, let your instincts guide you." Eh, it's good, but I've read better... I'll at least agree with this in the case of a survival situation, but not necessarily in an every day sense. I think that perhaps our conventional opinions have gotten too in the way of how certain decisions are made. ...But I don't feel like dwelling on this subject. Perhaps next time, when I have a good fortune that I can discuss. and for the record, I got a large orange chicken (which there's now way I can finish anymore) and an order of their potstickers, which are decent, but pale in comparison to Big Bowl's potstickers, which I had for lunch, so hah.<br />
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Our family doc said that I should make a list of all of the stuff I've achieved lately. I think he really meant just overall, but so much has happened lately that now seemed like a good opportunity. This is mostly just for me, but I though my blog would be a good place to do it. The real point of it, as he put it, was to realize just how much I feel I've accomplished lately, because certain things have been happening so fast for me. ...One of the lights on my ceiling fan keeps blinking... How distracting. ...Alright, now they're replaced. [Okay, now I'm back where I started, at least I am on some track while writing hahaha]. Anyway, let's go through a some things I feel are personal achievements within the past couple years, shall we? I think we should start with the most prevalent.<br />
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-Started my own blog, which I write in frequently and fully, and it has brought back a sense of creativity and just writing creatively again, which hasn't happened much since like two years ago.<br />
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-I have proven my fandom Halo a couple different times now<br />
-I won a Halo Reach Xbox Slim at San Diego Comic Con 2010<br />
-I was a finalist in the Halo Fest Machinima contest over this past summer<br />
-I just won probably the biggest contest I've ever won, The Halo Fan of the Decade contest, which got my picture in a commercial, and I won nice home-entertainment system.<br />
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-I've also made tons of new friends and connections within the Halo community and 343i, which will hopefully land me a job there in the next few years working on future Halo games or other Halo peripherals.<br />
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-I was asked to create an album cover for my friend, Tassi, and his band, Manhattan Chess Club. This has also brought back some art and creativity back into my life and I've been thinking of stuff all day<br />
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-I've found a major in college that I really connect with- philosophy, which has helped boost my grades and GPA like none other. I got a 3.6 this past semester, which, for me, is unheard of.<br />
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-My dancing skills have been so noticeably increased these past few months, and I get compliments from a lot of people on it now.<br />
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-My friend, Alex, just texted me saying, "God dammit," and a picture of his receipt from where ever he's eating dinner and his order is #117, which isn't an achievement necessarily, but it lends itself to how if this phenomenon happens to you on a regular basis, #1, it may be my fault :), but #2, if you go researching it all, you pretty much will come across me on your search, as has been the case this week when I got a random friend request and message asking what it's all about. You can read about it all in my previous blog, "Halo: Part 3: Movement." So I think that I've somewhat started a movement of sorts in that so many people come back to me with how they see 117 everywhere now. I'm a checkpoint of sorts on the ever-going mystery of the number 117.<br />
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-hmm... I don't know of any others right off the top of my head, so I think this is a good place to stop the list, for now.<br />
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So, as I mentioned above, I've been asked by my friend, Tassi, and his band, Manhattan Chess Club, to help make an album cover for their new album coming out. Nothing is finalized at this point, not even the album name, but it's still very cool and has given me the opportunity to start doing some sketches again and being aesthetically creative, which hasn't happened for a long time. He had some particular things in mind, which I kind of put together, but we're still throwing around ideas. He didn't want anything too hippy-ish, as that's not really the nature of their music. The cover I made up last night on photoshop ended up being just that, but I still found it fun to play around with. You can see the two main ideas I've had below :).<br />
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I've also thought of the idea to make a giant battlefield on my shuffleboard in my basement using my Halo Mega Bloks, which there are many of. It's still very much in the planning stages, but I think I'm going to take a day this next week and go buy a bunch of foam, paint, carving knives, and whatever else I feel will make this thing be totally epic. So stay tuned for that soon, hopefully before I head back down to school.<br />
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Oh, also, before I forget, I will be the guest on The Running Riot Podcast on Saturday, January 14th at, I believe 9:30PM (I'm not sure which timezone...), and covers my winning the Halo Fan of the Decade contest, so check that out!<br />
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Now, I feel as though I must steal something from my friend, Natalie's blog...<br />
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tl;dr- Everything was crazy this week, but has gotten so much better since. Today was filled with a bunch of new stuff for me to talk about and you should just go read it you lazy bum. HAH! See what I did there? I'm not giving you the satisfaction of your laziness.<br />
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So that's all for now. I leave you in the hands of this awesome song- "Feel it All Around," by Washed Out. Very cool and chill (which I hate using as an adjective...). Now it's time for me to go continue watching Pineapple Express. Enjoy!<br />
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Until next time...Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-49345282153372721642012-01-06T17:25:00.000-06:002012-01-06T17:33:54.686-06:00Halo: Part 3: Movement<div style="text-align: center;">
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-Peril (Halo 2 OST):</div>
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After Zach and I broke away and found what I have been considering my 'Everyday' group of friends (seeing as I live with them down at school), I quickly became very alone with my still-growing interest in Halo...</div>
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It was at this point, I believe, when I moved back home and started taking classes at my community college, two of which were with Dan, whom I still had, and have, considered one of my three best friends, and whom I am probably closest to amongst any of them. And while Halo wasn't ever really the focus of our friendship, then or now, he still acted as a conduit for me to enjoy Halo with other people. It was during these days when Halo Wars and Halo 3: ODST came out. And like I said, he helped me enjoy them a bit more, but it was never as strong as it had been during the original LAN days. </div>
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More than anyone, my dad was really the one who supported my interest in Halo. My mom didn't really seem to understand it and I never got anything but jeers from both of my siblings. After a while though, I stopped trying to get them to understand. My dad always understood that side of me though, and while he hadn't gotten into the Halo's story or anything like that (He has since then), he still understood that I was really into that and he always has done what he could to help. </div>
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-One One Seven (Not a song):</div>
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Before I move on, however, I feel I should explain my obsession with the number 117. Yes, it is an obvious Halo reference, but I don't know if that's why it started. Before Halo 3 had come out, I had begun noticing the number popping up every so often. I had read the Halo novels at that point, so I least knew that I showed up there as well. More and more, I saw it. It got to the point to where I felt it was some sort of conspiracy or something. It was something no one but myself noticed or understood. </div>
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When I tried to explain it to people, I got the conventional response that I was crazy and it was all in my head, or that I was just so excited for Halo 3. That may be so, but at this point, almost 4 & 1/2 years later, I don't think that matters so much anymore. I needed to prove to these people that what I was seeing was real.</div>
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I began taking pictures of the number, where ever I saw it. I needed to prove that I wasn't nuts and that I really did see this number everywhere; that it was following me. And when I would show all these pictures to people, while they thought it was still crazy in its own right, it was still happening.</div>
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What did it mean though? Yes, I saw this number, 117, everywhere I went, but no one, myself included could figure out why. Was there even a meaning behind it to begin with? We often toyed around with the idea that it was a sign of the end of the world and that I was supposed to do something to save it. In hindsight, it was such a poetic and romanticized idea; a number leading me to the salvation of all on planet Earth, to be remembered for the ages as the hero we needed, even though it would probably mean my certain demise in the face of something no one else could even begin to understand... What I would give for the opportunity... *sigh* I'm holding my breath as I think about it.</div>
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I would eventually do some research on whether or not other people saw it to, and much to my surprise, others DO see it as well. People I've never even met. In particular, a Christian website mentioned it and there are SO MANY comments on it from others who see it and attribute it to God's presence or something along those lines. As an atheist, I don't really subscribe to those sorts of theories, but I found it comforting knowing that there are others out there. I'll link all of the 117 stuff right below:</div>
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<a href="http://www.chacha.com/question/does-the-number-117-have-any-significant-meaning" target="_blank">http://www.chacha.com/question/does-the-number-117-have-any-significant-meaning</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ridingthebeast.com/numbers/nu117.php" target="_blank">http://www.ridingthebeast.com/numbers/nu117.php</a></div>
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<a href="http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090104180128AA3HgMG" target="_blank">http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090104180128AA3HgMG</a></div>
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<a href="http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110122101620AAs90iu" target="_blank">http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110122101620AAs90iu</a></div>
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A quick note: The wiki page used to be so much longer than it is now... I don't know why it was shortened so, but man, if you could've seen all the stuff that was on there originally... And the second link is to my facebook album where I upload all the pictures of 117 that show up. I've even showed this 343i and their response was, "That's 117 flavors of awesome!"</div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4393389413.5798.707159413&type=3" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4393389413.5798.707159413&type=3</a></div>
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Ultimately, we never found any sort of explanation, although Matt would be the voice of reason and tell me that I was simply looking for it and that while I was seeing it, it was still in my head. I've since figured that that's the case, but I have still made something from it, despite not being the tale of how I saved Humanity, just like Master Chief John-117.</div>
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All of the original pictures that I took were on my phone and have since been deleted, but I do continue to take pictures where ever and whenever I see it, assuming it's not like a clock or something. But nowadays, I don't see it as much as I used to, or at least not since I tried to embrace it and became One One Seven. When I switched my gamertag from ShellBullet5 to One One Seven, it kinda of slowed down for me, but not for everyone else. I still get pictures and texts from people all the time about how they saw the number and I laugh, knowing that I've pretty much started a small movement. Kozi, Colin, Dan, Chris, Rojek, Tnags, my entire family, all of my 'everyday' friends- they ALL see it now too. </div>
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There still isn't much meaning behind it, other than what I myself have made of it. I use it now as a symbol of my philosophies and goals; a numerical embodiment of who I am, not to mention that since I've made it my thing, people in the Halo community generally get a kick out it and like that it's my XBL gamertag. </div>
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One last note on the subject, the other day, I got a random friend request on facebook from a guy, Oussama, who is originally from Lebanon (but now lives in Sydney, Australia). I accepted it, thinking it was just another Halo fan that saw my stuff on the Halo Waypoint or something, but then I got a PM, which, despite happening before, doesn't happen often. Much to my surprise, it had absolutely nothing to do with Halo. This was his message:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><b>"hey there how r u? well i dont know how to explain it but since u faced the </b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><b>same thing so ur the only one that can understand that..well bro i did a search </b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><b>on fb for 117 since i found that number wherever i go..WHEREVER and i found </b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><b>that u had the same experience..1117 and 117 r really surprising me, did u got </b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><b>any explanation for that??? have a good one"</b></span></div>
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I was so delighted to see this because yet again, I was not alone. And I find it personally awesome that when he went looking for answers like I had, he came across me. It makes me feel almost prophetic in a way. Now it's time to move back into the main story.</div>
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- Edge Closer (Halo 3 OST)</div>
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I had always wanted to check out San Diego Comic Con at least once in my life. I likened it to the pilgrimage to Mecca, but for those who were considered nerds and the like. But I still had a focus in mind when I went there- Halo. </div>
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So, in 2009, my parents and I made our out there and went to SDCC. I feel that it was here that I really began my journey to where I am now. I got to see and play ODST before it had come out and got to be very close up at the 343i panel that announced both Halo Legends and Halo Waypoint. It was here that I first met Frank O'Connor, who is the franchise development director for Halo. He signed a copy of Halo 2 that I had brought with me. I also was able to get all 7 Halo Legends posters while there, 3 of which are signed by the creative minds behind each... episode, if you will. My dad and I would eventually get them all framed.</div>
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We also attended 2010, where Halo Reach was being showcased at the Xbox booth. I got to meet Ske7ch, as well as a few others from Bungie. I got my copy of ODST signed this time around. But this year would really mark the moment I put my foot in the door. At the bungie panel, where they showed off Forge 2.0 for the first time (this time in the very front-center), they announced a contest that was only taking place during Comic Con. Those who could prove their fandom to those at Bungie and 343i would win a Halo: Reach-themed Xbox Slim, which would be coming out in conjunction with Halo: Reach. Oh, I knew I could do it, I just needed to show them during conversation, not through a costume or anything showy. There were 6 consoles in total, one for each member of Noble Team. One after another they went. Just after the third one was chosen during the Tor Books signing, I met someone who would change my fortunes in Halo forever, Alison. The 343i panel for this year had been on the last day, after our scheduled flight back home. We cancelled it though, so that I could be there, and I let her know that. </div>
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The next and last day of Comic Con, I was waiting in a line that I thought hadn't started yet. I was standing next to the door, talking with Frankie and Kevin Grace, whom I had only just met, but had become friends with, at least for my part. It was then that I discovered that the line was already relatively long and that I wasn't in it. I jumped in and made it inside, near the back, however. I looked up at the stage and met eyes with Kevin. He gave the slightest of smiles, and and even slighter nod. My breath became instantly heavy and my palms began to sweat. 'No way,' I thought to myself, 'I actually did it. I won.' Alison came up to him and asked him something, and he looked back at me and just pointed. It was confirmed. Even as I write this, the feeling is overcoming me and I'm reliving it; oh, the excitement of it. Alison came down from the stage, walked down the isle, never breaking eye-contact with me. I could see the crease of a smile begin to form on her face as she could most likely plainly see the overwhelming excitement on my face already. She stopped in front of me and asked me for my badge. Knowing why already, I complied as fast as my arms would allow. She thanked me and walked back up on stage. The guy next to me was someone I was able to recognize by the end of the convention, as we had been in line to play Reach with one another several times. He asked me what that was about and with a grin on my face, I said, "I think I just won the last Xbox." Finally, the end of the panel came and well... I'll just let the videos show you (Skip to 8:05) :</div>
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While she made it seem like I had just lost my badge, I was completely fine with it because in the end, I won, and to top it off, I was Noble 6. I was guy who everyone would be playing as later on that year (That coupled with how I am One One Seven, pretty much makes me two of the main protagonists in the Halo franchise- SUPER WIN! hahahaha). I was also interviewed by Jonathon Goff for Halo Waypoint, which can be seen near the end of the next video:</div>
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I thought that this win would pretty much be the mark I left on the Halo community; it was my peak for Halo success, but oh how wrong I would be...</div>
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Oh! Also, My friend Natalie just put up her review/analysis of Greg Bear's new book, Halo: Primordium up on her blog. Be warned, there are spoilers, but it you're like me and that doesn't bother you, go read! It's very written and reasoned out. She even got 300 views for that thing, which makes me quite jealous. Link below:<br />
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<a href="http://grizzlei.blogspot.com/2012/01/im-going-to-warn-you-right-now-that-im.html" target="_blank">That Dancing Chick: 'Primodrium: These Matrices are Highly Unstable'</a><br />
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So, for now, this is the where I leave you. There is still some more to write, and actually, a lot of it is already done. I just need to write some more and then edit the already-written part and then it's done. So, enjoy "Movement" by Marty O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori from the Halo 3 OST!</div>
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Until next time...</div>Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-87691026994396390052011-12-24T14:49:00.000-06:002011-12-31T01:42:59.519-06:00Up & Down I Go Hey all! It sure has been a while since I wrote last. But it's been the holiday season and I needed to build up some material. I hung out with Mike and Matt a couple times and we were talking about the blog and I ended up deciding that perhaps doing a blog every single day isn't so necessary. At that rate I am pretty much just talking to talk. So I am going to be spacing these out to at most a weekly basis. I'll talk when I feel the need to talk. Plus it's good for those days where I do absolutely nothing and I end up writing a small handful of dinky paragraphs about nothing, which can be quite dull. Perhaps, if I do end up writing posts like those, I'll just keep them as drafts and only publish the good ones. I'll let it happen as it will.<br />
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So let's catch up a wee bit, shall we? I figure we should start with Christmas. Well, on the 23rd, my dad and I dressed up as Santa and his elf, respectively, and delivered a bunch of presents to a family who is currently going through some very hard times, and with two little kids having to endure it all, it felt good to do it. The next day, some relatives came over, as we normally do on Xmas Eve. Everything went well, and the Nerf war we had went spectacularly. There were Nerf darts everywhere around our house... Christmas day went well too, no issues to really speak of, though I did make a mental note that this year, there was slightly more bickering amongst us, to which I say, "Oh well."<br />
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In terms of gifts? I got a bunch of new clothing, which fits me relatively better than what I've been wearing as I lose weight. In particular, I got this nice black zip-up hoodie from GAP, which if you've ever seen me in the confines of my home, you'll know that I am almost always wearing one of these, generally sans shirt (That's right, ladies). I got a bunch of Halo-stuff, including: a bunch of megabloks sets, calendar, MC Play Arts figure, Lmt Ed. version of 'Halo: The Art of Building Worlds,' as well as the Child's Play Auction items: Halo 4 concept art (which I've mentioned in the past), the Dr. Halsey Journal from Halo Reach signed by Eric Nylund, A signed copy of Halo: Evolutions Vol. I, and finally the one and only physical copy (that I know of) of Levi Hoffmeier's, "Halo: A Fistful of Arrows." This last book was a big thing for me because I REALLY loved the story, not to mention the incredible art that he does. Levi also did a personalized sketch in the front cover, which is fucking amazing. Nicely done, sir. The sketch can be seen below. The FoA book also came with a Mr. Chief sketch, done by Frank O'Connor from 343 Industries and some prints from FoA (Levi, if you're reading this, it's like you knew that the Jun-using-Armor-Lock picture was one of my favorites. So cool.).<br />
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I also got tickets to go see Andrew Bird witha friend on March 22nd. Mike and Matt, this concert is in St. Louis, which means you both are coming with me. I only have two tickets though, so one of you will have to buy one. This is for you to decide. ...That is of course, assuming that the seats aren't assigned. I'll have to go and look to make sure >_>. Anyway, Mario Kart 7 has been keeping me busy, I have a new brown leather messenger bag, which I've been using at any opportunity. And I finally got something I've been wanting for a long time, but never really remembered to ask until this year- a golden pocket watch. I've always liked the idea of a pocket watch and I haven't had one since my old Full-Metal Alchemist one broke back in the beginning of High School. What makes it even better is that there is a '117' engraved on the inside cover, which is very awesome to me. And finally, after telling my mom that her old, and quite shitty, computer was finally being replaced by my iMac, I was surprised with a entirely NEW iMac. The plan was that mine would go to my mom and I would get my dad's, which he doesn't use very much at the office and is a couple years newer. Evidently something happened that would've made it more expensive to move his from the office and he decided to just get me a new one. Past the unique Halo stuff and the watch, this was the highlight gift of 2011. Overall, a VERY good year, both in Xmas, and just overall.<br />
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Now, on to more current affairs. Since Xmas has passed, things have been... slow, to say the least. All week long I have literally been doing next to nothing. I built all of the Halo Megabloks sets, watched the Blu Ray Lord of the Rings Extended versions, listened to a dramatized version of The Hobbit, played a bit of Skyrim on my mage, and spent more than a fair amount of time in my hot tub. This week has been a lazy bum's paradise. Only today did I finally get my mom's new computer into the Apple store for a data transfer. And tonight my family and I went to the Chicago Blackhawks game against the Detroit Redwings. We won. Huzzahs were had by many. But this week I've been really noticing a subtle change in my behavior...<br />
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I feel lost right now. Throughout the week, I've been progressively getting more easily agitated by my family, and I guess just by everything. My intolerance for illogical actions has been at a recent high, which has been working against my current meditations to let things go and allow things to work as they will. The constant cheerfulness that I've been having for the past 2-3 months has been diluted... I think some of it has to do with how, since I've been home, I've been regaining some weight- not much, mind you, but some poundage to be sure. There's just been so much bread around. I think I need to re-cut it out of my diet. Perhaps I just need to get out and do something. I could've written this at literally any point this week, and yet I didn't feel like it. I even tried to organize my Halo stuff finally and quit after like half an hour. I don't know... I have become a mope that just meanders about my house, not doing anything; waiting for death to overtake me. That's an exaggeration, of course, but if I let things continue as they are, I fear a looming depression. But the timing of things this weekend doesn't help all that much, seeing as it's New Years.<br />
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I'm not a big fan of New Years. For me, it's just when people go out and drink obscene amounts of alcohol and then conceive the unfortunate offspring that will be born in August and September. The kids part is just a side note that I felt like pointing out, but it's really the drinking aspect that makes me not like this holiday. I don't drink at all, especially after the surgery last June. I will say though, I did take two shots last month of SoCo and lime juice, and those weren't bad, but it's nothing that's changing my mind of the matter. And since I would roughly be the only sober adult at such a party/gathering, I would feel the need to take care of drunk people and keep things in order. And even past all that, I don't really care that it's the new year. Ultimately, it's just another day, but even still, this year has been the best in recent memory by a long shot, and I don't really care to see it go. But like I said, it's just another day and that's how I should think of it. I've been invited to three separate occasions for New Years, all of which I have said 'no' to. Colin, Kozi, and a bunch of others are heading down to Chicago to go drink. This was pretty much an instant no for me. Dan and Rojek are heading out to Indiana University to stay and Rojek's house and party there. Again, I said no. Mike and Matt are both in New York, albeit separated from each other. Finally, my cousin's girlfriend, Jill, is having a shin-dig (who uses shin-dig anymore, especially in writing? haha) which is where my brother and sister and a bunch of my cousins are going to. It's the same situation, although I may actually go to that one for a wee bit. So, my plans for New Years? I'm going to see MI:4 with my dad, and I presume my mom also and then I'm coming home and doing nothing, except hang out in the hot tub and enjoy that.<br />
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I never understood the whole Resolution thing with New Years either. All it is, is a false promise that you make to yourself, seemingly in hopes that it'll just sort of bring itself about. I imagine that it's rather rare for someone to actually follow through with it, unless the person is very take-charge. I was asked what mine was tonight at dinner. I replied with, "I don't do resolutions," and that was the end of that. I guess if I was forced to make one? Hmm.... Lose weight? I'm already doing that. Perhaps get down to a target weight by a certain time. Eh, but that seems so generic and typical, especially in the United States. Something with Halo? I have already gained the title which I have craved so. Perhaps giving back to the Halo community in some way. Some ideas come to mind, but I'll need time and people to help with that... I guess on a solely personal level, I would have to say start reading certain Philosophy books that have been recommended to me, and to continue practice my dancing. Oh! That reminds me!!<br />
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On three separate occasions since I've come home, I have been hugely complemented on my dancing skills. So much so even, that on ALL THREE times, the people watching me dance said that it should be recorded and put on the internet for all to see and to become an internet star. The idea seems quite enticing to me to say the least, so that may pop up somewhere in the future hahaha. Either way, when I am at school, my dancing is usually made fun of, so to get compliments so many times after coming home means a fucking lot to me. Thanks all.<br />
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So, I leave you with, "Up & Down I Go," by Pretty Lights, who has been just recently put on my radar by multiple people. Twice this song has come up in shuffle and both times I have tried to put it into my 'Current' playlist. That must mean I like it. I'm going to dance the fuck out of this song tonight.<br />
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Despite not liking New Years myself, I still wish everyone else's to be joyous. Just don't be surprised when you find you're/she is pregnant. hahaha<br />
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Until next time...Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-43883838538750767332011-12-23T01:13:00.000-06:002011-12-23T01:13:11.469-06:00Timestretch Hey all, a couple topics to cover today, but I'm at least back to having one be much more prevalent than the others. So, as per usual, let's start with the small stuff.<div>
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I think I should start putting a picture in near the beginning or something. When I share my blogs on facebook, the little picture that pops up is just my profile picture from blogger, which is also my picture on facebook... and twitter. I JUST LIKE IT, OKAY?! But, it's still redundant and could use some...sprucing, I suppose the word would be. So, I suppose I'll put this picture in:</div>
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I've started playing Skyrim again, this time around, I'm playing a mage. This is actually the first time really that I've ever played a mage in any sort of game, unless the protagonist was one to begin with. Whenever I play RPGs, I usually play a class that is close-quarters-oriented. In WoW, my main was a paladin, which I loved SO much more than any of the other classes. I felt so much more in-the-action. In Skyrim, I played as just a warrior, and would only use magic or archery when I felt it was REALLY necessary. In Skyrim though, at one point, a mage describes magic as being a natural force that we are able to control with years of practice. The point was, was that I could literally harness the forces of nature. Mages are wizards are also generally seen as being so brilliant and wise. And as someone who seeks further wisdom, I felt I could actually relate to being a mage more than I could being a warrior. So far, everything has been going splendidly, except that I accidentally killed my housecarl, Lydia, so I am kind of in mourning right now. From the standpoint of an on-looker, it's relatively pathetic... But to each their own. </div>
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Well, fuck. I know there were a couple other things I wanted to talk about, but for the life of me, I can't remember.... let me think for a moment.............. Oh yeah, Christmas is in a couple of days, and for those of you who celebrate Hanukkah, it's difficult to spell your holiday (Thank science and man for Google). How odd, when I look at the written word, 'Google,' I can actually see the colors of each letter change to what they are on the website. Blue, red, yellow, blue, green, red. ...Let's check if that's right.... It is. Interesting, I'll need to look into this further at some other time. Anyway, for those of you who celebrate Hanukkah, I believe this is day #3? I suppose I should at least acknowledge any other religious holidays that happen around this time. Either way, I hope all goes well and all have happiness, whether it's the holiday or not. If you're not happy, then go find what makes you happy. Don't think about it, just go.</div>
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Tomorrow, I will be reprising the role of Buddy the Elf, accompanying Santa, played by my dad. Together we go out each year and bring a bunch of gifts to a couple families who are... not as well off, I suppose; the less fortunate. It's a program put on by the school where my mom works, but now that she's retiring at the end of this year, I don't know whether this will be our last year doing this or not. Only time will tell.</div>
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Which brings me to what I want to talk about today (Ah, what a great transition and lead-in that was). This is actually something that I wanted to talk about the next day after I cleared out that swamp with Colin, but I figured I should hold off. This is one of those subjects that I've been keeping since before I started this blog, and boy (or girl), I'm excited to explain my theory. But first, let's set up the contextual backdrop in which I formed this idea, shall we?</div>
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It was some random weekend, leading up to the release of Skyrim. The only reason that this is relavent, is because since Skyrim wasn't out yet, I was trying to satiate my hunger for fantasy-genre media. So, for the fourth time during this past semester, I was doing The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition marathon. Let me also add, that I was not sober in the least when this happened (which, for me, makes this even better). To liken this to someone who may be confused, or perhaps intimidated by the length and seeming complexity of it, don't fret. This is very VERY simple. Think of it as the moment when the apple dropped on Newton's head and he finally put together his theory of Gravity. This is about as close to that as I can get.</div>
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Okay, I'll begin as I do whenever I explain to someone in person. What is on X-axis of almost any and every graph? More importantly, what yields movement in our universe? The answer? Time. How does one define 'Time' off the top of their heads? Usually, it's seen as its own entity, an anomalous thing that just happens. This may hurt me in some fashion, but I've never looked at the dictionary definition of 'Time.' On Dictionary.com, Time is defined as: </div>
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<span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small; position: static; text-align: left;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">system</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">those</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">sequential</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">relations</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">that</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">any</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">event</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">has </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">any</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">other,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">as</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">past,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">present,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">future;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">indefinite</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">and </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">continuous</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">duration</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">regarded</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">as</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">that</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">in</span> </span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/which" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; text-align: left;">which</a><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small; position: static; text-align: left;"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">events </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">succeed</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">one</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default; position: static;">another.</span></span></div>
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(Well, at least I know where and how Dan came up with his definition of time so quickly when I asked him haha)</div>
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So anyway, while watching The Fellowship of the Ring, I was at the part when <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeDMTAfl1YU" target="_blank">Gandalf talks with Frodo in Moria</a> In the scene (at like 1:55 in the linked video), Gandalf says, "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." Sidenote: This is actually my favorite line in the entire movie, ...possibly the entire series. It really resonates with my beliefs, which perhaps I should outline to give more context to this whole thing...</div>
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Okay, I was saving this for another whole blog, so I guess I'll just give the highlights: I do not believe in any such god, though I do not reject the possibility that I may be wrong after all is said and done. Until there is some definitive proof of such a divine presence working in our universe, I'm sticking with a "What you sense is what you get" mentality. My perspective tries to see things as they are in nature, not how people see things in their mind. We let our conventions control us and we have become close-minded. I am trying to change that, if not in others, then at least within myself. The universe is made up of particles and forces, not some intended path that has been rolled out for Humans. I try to be as logical as I can be and try not to let my emotions interfere when observing, but when interacting with others, try to be as relatively courteous and nice as I can possibly be. I do realize that at times, this may not be the case, and I can at least recognize that I, along with everyone else, is a (presumably) walking contradiction. We see contradiction as being a stain on our identities, when we should just recognize that everyone does it, so now that we see it, let's do something about it, together.</div>
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I think that's enough on that subject, at least for now. Anyway, when Gandalf says the line mentioned above, I suddenly recalled another instance in The Two Towers, when he is telling the three hunters his tale and how he "moved across time and space, where every day was as long as a life-age of the earth" (Or so I think it goes.... It's close enough). I can honestly say that I cannot remember what it was about these two lines that sparked it for me, but the idea rushed forward as if I was uncovering it from a lost memory. Oh, how wonderful it was... The metaphorical light that switched on shined brighter than any almost any other (the almost being in comparison to two other huge events, one of which is what led me to my current way of thinking, which I briefly articulated above). I was about to redefine the concept of Time.</div>
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We are able to measure relative time, but as it's own separate entity. Time is its own category. This is not the case. In quantum theory and particle physics, there are four forces of nature: gravity, electro-magnetism, Strong Nuclear Force, and Weak Nuclear Force. I don't want to get into explaining the nature of each one, so I'll link this very helpful video, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/video/2011/mar/04/brian-cox-forces-nature-video" target="_blank">here.</a> A curiosity just struck me as I finished watching that video. At the end, Brian mentions eventually discovering a "Theory of Everything," through the unification of these four forces of nature. How poetic and romantic that sounds... Perhaps, and this is the short version of my theory, Time is actually a fifth force of nature. </div>
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Since the Big Bang event that, for all intensive purposes, started the universe as we know it, any and all bodies of mass and particles have been extending outwards, in all directions, at an exponential rate. Aside from the other four forces, which obviously work in conjunction with time, time is almost solely responsible for everything in our universe. Everything that has any sort of movement or change to it, is solely due to time. If there was no time, the big bang would never have happened because nothing moved. All the mass in our universe was collected in one singular spot within space. Time is what changed that.</div>
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My theory suggests that perhaps time, as an almost physical force striking that matter, or more likely, time exploded out from within the singular mass. The explosion shoots everything outward and continues to carry everything outward on a wave- a time wave. The time explosion, the big bang is still in the first half of its sequence, or perhaps even the first quarter. I suppose I should explain it this way: think of gravity as the antagonist of time. Gravity is what held together all bodies of mass into that singular point prior to the big bang event. Where time moves things out, gravity pulls it back in. It's also why particles like light move in waves rather than just straight lines. Time is a wave. </div>
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Time is also the largest measurement of distance that our universe can reach. This may seem confusing, but think of time as a measurement of distance, rather than of just...well, time. Go look at a clock, not a digital one, but an old-fashioned round clock that you have to read to tell the time. Now go and cut in on the '12' line. Now pull the two sides apart until it's flat. For all intensive purposes, that clock is now a ruler. This is how we measure time through space. The length at which our universe finally stops expanding (the wave of time) is measured as (and I'm going to put this in quotes to distinguish it more), "1 Time." Time is the largest unit of measuring distance in our universe. </div>
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Things like video and audio? They're time machines! We are recording past events that actually happened and we watch/hear them because we cannot physically go back in time...yet. When we edit these recordings, we have then discovered the nature of the term, "false" or "Fiction." We are able to manipulate the appearance of events in time so much that we are able to create whole new existences within our minds, which are just pseudo-realities that we create to try and understand nature. </div>
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We are able to predict the trajectory of a rocket or something that we launch off. Through calculation, we are able to figure out the relative position, and possibly the exact position of where the rocket went. So here's the kicker, if this is how time works, why can't we do the same thing with literally every body of mass in the universe? Down to the last proton in your body, the trajectory of time (along with the other forces of nature) dictates how each particle moves and acts. So just magnify that to a larger scale. The particles make up cells, which make up tissue, which make up your body chemistry, which pretty much defines who you are, plus your experiences. Anything and everything anyone or anything that has ever happened or ever WILL happen can be predicted through probability. Now, what I sort of mentioned way up above is that I also don't believe in any intended path, nothing is predetermined. That belief has been shaken more than ever since I thought of this. With this, everything is predetermined from probabilities and the dictatorship of nature. Some may see this as being a very scary thought, knowing that there is no real free will and that it's just time moving your particles around enough to make the decision for you. Others may feel a bit more free, knowing that despite what they think, what happens, happens. I tend to lean to the latter. </div>
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A further theory from this is that perhaps, when the time wave comes to its stop and gravity begins pulling everything back in, perhaps time will just be going backwards. We, being long dead by this point will come back to life and shrink younger and younger until we are no more yet again until the universe is back to the singular mass it was so long ago. Perhaps that if everything went back exactly how it was before, that when the big bang should happen again, time as we have seen it unfold, and will see it unfold in the future, will just repeat itself. Making the universe the biggest phoenix-metaphor ever! Amazing...</div>
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So keep this in mind. You may continue it forward until everyone sees it. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask! And for those that would ask me to prove it, just watch things happen as they do. Don't influence it with your wants and your emotions, just watch it happen and you'll see it.</div>
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If you like heavier, more intense, electronic music, this is a good song for you. I went through a small kick with it, but I prefer stuff that's... well, just not as intense - more danceable. Anyway, enjoy Bassnectar's "Timestretch."</div>
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Until next time... (Hah! Now it works on two levels.)</div>Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-1722192794494274562011-12-21T18:54:00.000-06:002011-12-21T18:54:47.125-06:00Tomorrowland Hey all, switching back to the normal format for a couple days. As I was writing yesterday's blog which was a Halo one, I began to want to talk about just what was going on. Thankfully I held off and I have a longer blog today because of it. So here we are<br />
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The Hobbit trailer came out yesterday and I am pretty fucking excited for it. I love Lord of the Rings. I did the extended LotR marathon 4 separate times this past semester. I need some new fantasy-genre movies that don't suck. That coupled with the Dark Knight Rises trailer? Whoo, am I excited for these movies. Although something with The Dark Knight Rises seems off to me.<br />
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Now, this is going to get some negative feedback, but hear me out. I could see, despite how good the trailer looked, that the new batman movie could, and possibly will suck terribly. Nolan doesn't seem to care what gets leaked, as we've seen so many things from camera phones. Haven't heard of security, Nolan? No one can understand what Bane is saying and evidently, Anne Hathaway has been getting some criticism because of how her voice sounds. Nolan has stated that he isn't changing either problem. Plus, if it sucks, it will leave us wanting another batman movie to make up for it. How many batman movies have there been now? Having this one suck will allow the studios to reboot the series in a few years. You see it happening even now with Spider-Man. You just wait. I hope I'm wrong, but I can't rule out the possibility that TDKR is going to be bad.<br />
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I got back into contact with Volgi today, thanks to Rojek. So there are currently plans in the works for us tonight. Dan will hopefully join us as well. I also talked with Mike today and according to him, he, Matt, and myself are hanging out on Friday, when Matt gets back from Madison.<br />
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I was out in the hot tub yesterday afternoon and it finally began to snow. It was so pleasant to be in the hot water, while still getting snowed on. But an odd thing occurred once the snow began to fall. Across my deck is a tall tree and near the top was a squirrel yelling. And I mean like actually yelling. It made some pattern of noises and then shrieked twice, and would repeat that for the next like... ten minutes or so. I couldn't help but imagine that it was calling out the snow to his fellow squirrel friends, possibly a scout team for a larger squirrel city or civilization. This squirrel's job would be to warn his fellow squirrel brethren that was <br />
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My fantasy football league is coming to a close and I finally lost last week, so this coming week, I'll be playing for 3rd place. Hopefully I'll win so that I can have it twice in a row, plus I'll get paid if I win this match, albeit only my money back.<br />
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I played a game of Heroica, which is one of those Lego board games. It's like a demi version of Dungeons and Dragons. What's cool though is that you can connect all 4 sets and have them be one big game board. Plus it doesn't cost nearly as much as D&D does. And if you alter the rules, it makes the game much more fun to play and doesn't even guarantee that there will be a winner at the end of it. If you die in the game, that's that. You're dead and unless you have the right combination of items, you aren't coming back to see the end. It's good for what I want, something a bit faster and I can do on my own time or with a few other people. If you like LEGO and are like me with D&D and don't want to spend too much, check out Heroica.<br />
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I'm also now watching Limitless with Rojek right now. For those that haven't seen it, it's a very underrated movie and you should see it. It's on Netflix streaming or on itunes to rent or buy. It's with Bradley Cooper if you really have no clue what I'm talking about.<br />
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I know this blog ended up being rather short, but oh well. Rojek just showed me this video of a music festival called Tomorrowland. I know the title has nothing to do with the various subject matters of this blog, but I thought it'd be cool to show. I'm not one for crowded music festivals or anything like that, but this place looks like it'd be a blast to go to, albeit when it's not crowded and full of sweaty people. Enjoy!<br />
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Until next time...Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8328971915274008722.post-21739876959116812392011-12-20T16:39:00.000-06:002011-12-20T22:01:49.220-06:00Halo: Part 2: Unyielding<div style="text-align: center;">
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-----Part 2: Roll Call-----</div>
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-Released (Halo 3 OST):</div>
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Halo 2 was finally upon me and I couldn't put it down. That was at least, until the flood was also upon me. I liked playing as the Arbiter, I thought it was a good way to show other perspectives, but god damnit, the Flood was on my doorstep just a bit too early... Again, I found them so damn frightening. So much so as not to play again for like a month or so. But I was back soon enough and I finally beat the campaign. I loved the ending too. Everyone bitched and moaned about how the ending was bullshit, and I know that the third act was cut out, but that's what a cliffhanger is supposed to do. Especially since now that Halo 3 is out, no should even begin to open their mouths on the subject.</div>
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Anyway, it was after beating Halo 2 that I found myself being much more invested in the story than what Halo CE did. Seeing both sides of the war really opened up the universe for me. I once told Colin on the subject, Halo CE was like the prologue for the other games, not just because it was first in the series, but because we hardly learned anything from it compared to what we would learn later on. It was just to get us salivating for Halo 2 and 3 and so on. Halo 2 is where the story REALLY begins, at least for me. It's a constant debate subject in the community, but, and this may be just because Halo 2 is what I played most, first, but, I feel still that Halo 2 had the best campaign in terms of just storyline, followed by ODST, H3, Reach, Wars, and finally CE.</div>
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-Bravery, Brotherhood (Halo CE:A OST):</div>
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I had been invited on a couple different occasions to attend a LAN party by my friend, Zach, who hung out with Mike, Matt, and myself as well as another group who was made up of gamers. I initially told him no, but eventually I felt like I wanted a change...<br />
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I eventually asked Zach if I could come to one of these weekly parties that they all had where they just played Halo the entire time. How weird was that?? But I wanted to see it for myself. I wanted to try. At the time, I didn't know that this would increase my interest in Halo almost exponentially. It was at this time that I really began developing new friendships. It was where I began investing time with people like Zach, Colin, Kozi, Dan, Chris, Eric Siegel, Mike (better known as T-Nags, as his last time is Tinaglia), Erich Rojek, Anthony Volgi, Nick Briesmeister (or just, 'Breeze'), and some others who were not as regular. Joining the 'gamers' as they could be grouped as, was a big transition for me, as I stopped spending as much time with Mike, Matt, Pat, and the rest of those whom were considered part of the 'popular' groupings.<br />
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For the next two years, these became my new best friends and we spent our weekends over at Siegel's house where we would play Xbox for hours and hours on end. It was great. It was them that got me onto Xbox Live, and it's also how I started reading the Halo novels.</div>
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-Data Hive (Halo 3: ODST OST):</div>
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I searched through the 'Sci-Fi/Fantasy' section in Barnes and Noble until I found it- the original Halo novel trilogy. Now, mind you, this was still early after Halo 2's release, also not long after I began attending the weekly LANs. Anyway, I read them all, albeit very VERY slowly (as I read at the pace at which I talk). Reading the books though is what really put me over the edge as being a big fan of Halo. I started doing research here and there and joined Halo3forum so as to invest myself more into Halo.<br />
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As new information came out through those couple years about Halo 3, I had become known more and more in my school as a huge Halo fan. Even the staff knew about it. All my teachers knew that I wouldn't be in school the day Halo 3 came out, even the soccer coach, who I was managing for throughout high school. It was nice to be known as something to other people. The next day I couldn't even count all the people that asked me how Halo 3 was. After a while I almost got sick of it.<br />
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-The Last Spartan (Halo 2 OST):<br />
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Prior to Halo 3's release, my dad and I had the idea to take our LAN parties to the next level. Instead of bringing the TVs and the games to the people, why not just bring the people to the TVs and the party? So that's what we did. We got eight 32" flat screen TVs, and wall-mounted four on opposite sides of the basement. And all had ethernet cords going through walls to connect all of our Xboxes to the internet. It was great! Everyone would come to me now (Perhaps I built it out of sheer laziness *shrug*). But things didn't quite pan out as I had hoped.<br />
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There was drama occurring within the group and it was slowly but surely tearing us apart. Zach and I ended up splitting off the group swearing off certain people, while others were just kind of left in limbo, not choosing a side. It was fairly chaotic and, in hindsight, very emotional and testosterone-filled. But with the group splitting apart and Zach switching over to Call of Duty 4, which had just come out as well. Zach and I would later join those whom I consider to be my 'everyday friends,' as they are the people I live with and have been friends with since the end of high school. If you've been reading past blogs, you'll notice that this is changing, as I have gotten back into contact with Mike, Matt, and all my old Halo friends.<br />
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Anyway, what ended up happening was that my basement LAN system never got to see the constant Halo LANs that I had envisioned for it. Instead, it became the hub for my 'everyday friends' and I while we played Call of Duty and they played every new sports game that has come out in the past 5 years. Despite being used constantly, I always felt like we waisted it...<br />
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And none of my 'everyday friends' even like Halo. So I was alone... But, with time, comes movement and change.<br />
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"Unyielding," by Marty O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori isn't one of my favorites, but the overall tone was odd to name, so I picked based on my growing investment in Halo. Plus it's fun to drive to and it makes things more intense. Enjoy!<br />
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Until next time...</div>Jakewhlr117http://www.blogger.com/profile/14586553871270547699noreply@blogger.com0