WORD OF THE DAY! 9/29/12.

SOURCE FOR IMG 1

mass effect [mas-ih-fekt]
noun
1. Mass Effect video game series. The effects of a field created through the manipulation of element zero, via an electric current via dark energy, to increase the mass of space-time. A positive charge increases mass and a negative charge decreases mass. The strength of the current affects the magnitude of the dark energy mass effect, i.e. the greater the current the greater the dark energy mass effect. This energy also creates a static charge of electricity that, unless dispersed, and cause massive damage to the producer of the energy. The energy is used in all fields of science, from the creation of new elements and materials to the evolution of high speed travel, and those with biotic talents can sense and manipulate these fields with varying effects.

EX. Let me start by getting this out of the way, I haven't played Mass Effect 3 yet but, even supposing the end of the trilogy was ruined at the last minute, that doesn't change a simple fact; Mass Effect is one of the most potentially lucrative and interesting video game franchises of this generation and easily the best science fiction series and role playing game series of this generation.

SOURCE OF IMG 2-4

Few games, if any since I can't think of any, could compare the perfect mix of role-playing, action game play, and cinematic story-telling that makes Mass Effect fascinating. Partially, this achieved through the technical heights that the series reached, improving between each game and pushing this generation's console hardware to the limits, to give us something that is, in my opinion, visually and audibly unchallengeable. The experience is enhanced by the voice over of all dialogue, with a variety of voices and characters, that give the Milky Way and its enemies depth. The game elements are engaging, rarely tedious, and increasingly functional to build a paramount gaming experience.

Now, while the technical elements allow for the proper tools to tell the story of Mass Effect, what is even more important is the skillful story-telling they do with those tools. The game mixes the best themes and elements of science fiction, from the intellectual altruism and character drama of Star Trek to the epic fantasy and kinetic action of Star Wars. They built a galaxy filled with incredible alien races, amazing locations, and threats, ancient and new alike, for you to overcome. The greatest genius of the story-telling is your unique version of Commander Shepard and his/her relationship with the party of comrades you earn through your adventures. They each fulfill different archetypes, with different agendas and story to unfold, and they really grow on you.

 The genius of Mass Effect is all of these elements coming together in a way that appeals to casual player and hardcore critic alike; the series isn't just another sci-fi shooter, but a step in the right direction toward making video games an important genre in fiction. If the first and second Mass Effects could make me care so much about Garus, Wrex, and Tali, as much as I've ever cared about Spock, Han Solo, and Hermione Granger, I can easily imagine the next generation of media set in the Mass Effect universe to become the next great frontier of interactive media.

WORD OF THE DAY. 9/28/12.

wooly [wool-ee]
adjective

1. Consisting of wool.

2. Resembling wool  in texture or appearance.

3. Clothed or covered with wool  or something resembling it.

4. Botany . Covered with a pubescence of long, soft hairs resembling wool.

5. Like the rough, vigorous atmosphere of the early West in America.

EX. Enjoy these wooly Pokemon or should I say "alpaca-mon". Check out the creator of these llama's work, HERE.

Check out more after the jump. Bonus points to the first person to identify them all.

MIXED BAG. POETRY JAM #5

It's been a while since I shared any of my poetry and, since I just wrote a sonnet assignment for my Forms of Poetry course (yes, I know I'm a Creative Writing major with a focus toward Fiction) and I think the poem is amusing enough to share on her. To check out some of my other poems, hit the links at the bottom.

A Sonnet about a Horse

 By Sean Barnes

“Here ye, here ye! Calling all beasts and birds!

I am the Unicorn. I am, therefore,

Unique.” The beast said, in Englishman’s words,

“Henceforth, I am the King of the Forest!”

Such a decree, to not just birds but beasts,

Meant nothing. But he was proud to speak it.

He planned to plan royal trots, naps, and feasts,

“Such fools! None deny my claims! I’m legit!”

‘Twas true except one beast did not submit—

A young man stepped out from between the trees,

Then grabbed the King’s horn tight and detached it,

“You are but a horse without one of these!”

And as the man held the horn in his fist

The hornless Unicorn ceased to exist. 

WORD OF THE DAY! 9/27/12.

blowing into a cartridge [blo-wing-in-too-ey-kahr-trij]
verb
1. The popular process of fixing an inactive video game cartridge by attempting blow dust out of the cartridge's port. According to many resources, this doesn't actually do anything and, in fact, can damage a cartridge over time through exposure to the moisture of a breath. Do not blow into your cartridges or consoles!

EX. Unless exposed to retro gaming systems, like the Super Nintendo or Sega Genesis, kids these days will probably play lots of video games without ever having the experience of blowing into a cartridge. I actually blew into a cart to get it to work the other day (it was Donkey Kong Country 3), but discovered something yesterday that, while I hate to admit it, makes sense. Blowing into game carts doesn't fix anything and can actually ruin them!

WTF WED! GAME GRUMPING BREVITY WITH PORTALS!

WTF WEDNESDAY PRESENTS

GAME GRUMPS ANIMATED: SILLY VOICES

The first act in our three act play of WTFery is a great Game Grumps fan animation from Flannelson that uses audio from the Animal Crossing series that the Groomps have been doing. As a big Grumpster, I couldn't help but share it with ya.

BREVITY FALLS

Then, we got a strange parody of a cartoon show that I've never even watched, but have heard wonderful things about, the Disney Channel's Gravity Falls.But what can you expect from me? I pretty much have to share this video-- its Ukinojoe!

YOU MONSTER!

The most beautiful, and probably more "WTF, I'm impressed!", than the other videos is the sleek fan animation of a scene from Portal 2. From enquaynay, it manages to captures the emotions involved and uses really slick and realistic movement to give it that 1980's sci-fi fantasy animated feel that would make for a wonderful film!

WORD OF THE DAY! 9/26/12.

scalp [skalp]
noun

1. The integument of the upper part of the head, usually including the associated subcutaneous structures.

2. A part of this integument with the accompanying hair, severed from the head of an enemy as a sign of victory, as by some North American Indians and others during the colonial and frontier periods in the U.S.

3. Any token of victory.

4. The integument on the top of the head of an animal.

5. Informal . A small profit made in quick buying and selling.

verb (used with object)

6. To cut or tear the scalp from.

7. Informal .

a. To resell (tickets, merchandise, etc.) at higher than the official rates.

b. To buy and sell (stocks) so as to make small quick profits.

8. To plane down the surfaces of (an ingot, billet, or slab).

EX. Can anybody think of a better scalping scene in a movie than when The Bride knocked the top of O-Ren Ishii's block?

WORD OF THE DAY! 9/25/12.

House [hous]
noun
1. A building in which people live, a residence for human beings.
2. (often first letter capitalized) A family including ancestors and descendants.
3. A building for any purpose.
4. A theater, concert hall, or auditorium.

EX. I wonder what the other Houses of Kanto would be? I'd assume Ketchum, Oak, and maybe Rocket? Lemme see if I can get their mottos: Ketchum would be "Do you have clean underwear?" or "Gotta Catch 'Em All!" (obviously) , Oak "What was the motto of our clan again?" or "Smell ya later!" and as for House Rocket, "Surrender now or prepare to fight" or "Blasting off again".

Also, remember, "The next generation is coming."

MUSICAL MONDAY! THE EMOTIONAL CLAWS & HAN SOLO GANGNAME STYLE!

MUSICAL MONDAY PRESENTS

EMOTIONAL CLAWS (From the hit musical WAR)

I think what sets Game Grumps aside from every other Let's Play series on the planet is two factors: first and foremost, the personalities and improvisation of Jon Jafari AKA Jon Tron and Arin Hanson AKA Egoraptor. The second factor that makes it incredibly infectious is the enthusiasm of the fan base and their creativity. I've shared some Game Grumps in the past (CHECK THIS OUT) and this week I had to share the results of an improvised musical based on the TMNT character, War. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I do.

And as a sweetener, a couple of bonus videos:

GANGNAM HAN SOLO STYLE!

&

QUESTIONS FOR DAD- GANGNAM STYLE

The second video is from my friend, omgitskazer, who has just gotten back into making videos, including his video game advice video series KAZER VS.  What I like about the Halo Machinima posted above is that is both explained Gangnam Style in a mature and smart way, in an interesting format, and ended with a laugh. Good stuff.

WORD OF THE DAY! 9/24/12.

life support [lahyf-suh-pohrt]
noun
1. A system, or piece, of equipment that makes life possible in otherwise deadly environmental conditions.
2. Medical equipment, or a system of such equipment, that replaces or assists bodily functions and so enables a patient to live who might otherwise not be able to comfortably function or survive without the aid of such equipment.

EX. Today, I'd like to take a look at two iconic film villains, Darth Vader (Star Wars) and Bane (The Dark Knight Rises), that share several similarities. Both characters are physically intimidating villains, both need life support to live that makes them part machine, with the imagery of Bane deliberately drawing on that of Darth Vader (arguably the most iconic villain in film history), and both have a similar arc in their respective films. By comparing the two characters, we will get a better understanding of the mythology underlying their development.