Gaming Revolutionising?

It's console makers like Microsoft and Sony who seem determined to stop computer gaming evolving into something else. Rather than innovating ideas, they'd much rather stick to high end graphics, fast game play and well, that's it. I've finally realised why I get bored of computer games so much now and it's because they're all the bloody same. No one seems to want to make anything different these days, but with software developers it's down to what they can do, not what they want to do.

For example, the Xbox 360 has a bog standard controller with nothing particularly special about it, except for the wireless thing. Sony's upcoming PS3 controller is just the same as before but with a minute motion sensor built in. Neither of these controllers will allow anyone to do anything outside the norm of gaming.

Enter Nintendo Wii. A bit late with the news, I know, but Nintendo (who I'll admit to bashing for years) have finally created a computer console with a controller than can be deemed a little 'out-of-the-norm', and for the evolution of computer gaming this is the way to go.

The Nintendo Wii's controller doesn't follow the route other controllers run down. The controller comes in two parts - the 'remote control' and the 'nunchuck'. And their selling point on the controller? Motion sensor.

I love how Nintendo are trying something different from Microsoft and Sony. After all, hardcore gamers will surely be getting bored of the traditional games out there now, right? I know I am. I used to be an avid gamer but after buying a PS2 I just wasn't getting my kicks anymore. I figured the XBox 360 and PS3 would bring something new again, but they're just the same old consoles with a bit more power. It's about time they realised that graphics might look pretty but don't equate to making a great game. What's so funny about this on a personal level?

For years I bashed Apple Computer for making rubbish computers, despite their innovation. Until the iMac G4 was released I just wasn't impressed, but they finally did something that stood out and made me (and millions of others) take notice. However, it wasn't until their latest home desktop computer, the G5 (now been updated with Intel processors of course and simply called iMac) that I changed my opinion of Apple completely and purchased one of their machines. After years and years of bashing, I ditched my PC for a Macintosh.

Come the last quarter of this year, I think I'll be ditching my PS2 as well.

Godfather Fever

One of the first things I did upon my return from the Isle of Wight was to check my e-mails. I had over 30 e-mails spread out over three days just sitting in my Inbox wating to be opened, but 28 of those e-mails were Spam. Okay, so not exactly a lot compared to most, but I almost never receive Spam. So to be away for three days and return to find 28 crappy e-mails sitting there was a bit of a shock to the system - and of course, a let down that none of my friends or family had e-mailed me.

Anyway, the Christening was lovely although at times I felt a bit out of place as I'm actually an athiest, so becoming a Godfather was a little bit hypercritical, right?

Here's a small gift from my sister as a thank you. It's nothing official (that's left for the Church of England apparently) but it is a little reminder of my duty to my nephew. It was fun spending some time with the family and I'll hopefully be doing it all over again in just over a months time for my 21st birthday.

Oh and by the way, the other two e-mails were newsletters - Mr Pop You Lar, I think you'll find.

Apple Computer's Pet Leopard

I've come across this blog of someone running a few previews of Apple's next OS, due in Spring next year, called Leopard.

I'm pretty sure it's breaking a few copyrights, especially as the blog owner admits to downloading an illegal beta copy of the operating system through Bittorent. Still, it's an interesting read, especially if you're a Mac owner.

I'm liking some of the new features of Blogger Beta version x.something, or whatever version it is, but I'm still finding errors when trying to comment on other blogs when signed in under my Gmail account username. Unfortunately I can't sign in on my other username anymore as I made the transition to the new blogger. Hope they get it sorted soon because I want to comment on a few blogs I read (check out my links bar).

Going away for the weekend now for a Christening. I'm Godfather for my nephew in the Isle of Wight on Sunday. Spent a lot of time rushing around trying to sort out a nice suit, only to be told it'll be casual wear over anything else. Pain in the arse or what?

Anyway, would like to get a few pictures and post them up, but I shan't for anonymity reasons.

Pluto Shambles

Before I begin, I should probably apologise to a few people who have left comments on my blog and not seen them appear. I'm still pretty new to Blogger and until I updated to the Beta today, I didn't realise I had any comments awaiting moderation. They're all up now though and I'll have anymore e-mailed to me in future.

Anyway, it's a complete shambles that Pluto has been taken off the Planet list. I can't see how it would make a difference anyway, it's not like it's actually leaving the solar system. All this scientific rubbish annoys me at times, no matter how much of a space enthusiast I am.

Update - In response to some comments left by a few readers, I've tried to comment on your blogs regarding posts you've made and, unfortunately, this new Beta blogger doesn't like me making any comments - I got a horrible 404 error after trying to reply.

F.Y.I to one, I find that if you're in the middle of cocking up dinner for guests, it's best to cock it up completely, rather than just a little bit. Come Christmas, you can all laugh about the time you completely cocked up dinner for everyone. Try it, it's kind of fun.

Doll Mistake?

My cousin (with his parents) left for their holidays about an hour and twenty minutes ago, but not before I put a kids 'baby doll' into his suit case.

I told everyone about it, except my cousin, and now I'm worried that it's going to disrupt their journey considerably. With the extra security checks in place at British airports right now, I just know he's going to get stopped as his case goes through its scan. What will his reaction be in front of everyone when the security guys pull out a baby-doll?

Ahah, sod it! It'll be something to talk about at Christmas.

Henry The Internet Junkie Monkey

YouTube.com has been getting a lot of shouts over the internet and on British T.V the past few days - apparently there's been a huge boom. I don't use it often as I find watching crap people have submitted to be rather boring, although if you take a peak through this blog you will see a couple of instances where YouTube has come to my rescue with some interesting clips.

I stumbled on this following video clip which is of Henry, an internet junkie Monkey. It's quite funny, especially with his accent. I suggest you just hush up and watch it now.

Watch now.

Pet Hate

One thing that really bugs me about MSN users is when they come online with their status already set to 'Away'. What's the bloody point in coming on if they've got no intension of talking to anyone, it doesn't make sense.

Another thing that annoys me. I hate it when users sign onto MSN and, once you've initiated a conversation with them, they apologise for not being able to talk because they're busy with an assignment. So again, what was the bloody point in signing onto MSN?

Autumn In August?

Something's just not right. I don't care what people say about averages of weather, England is experiencing some Autumn weather at the minute, in the middle of Summer.

June was exceptionally hot, probably the hottest it's going to be this year, but generally August is hotter. So when we're presented with weather that gives you nipple erections, requires you to put on a tiny bit extra clothing and drink a little less water in the middle of Summer, us Brits tend to freak out a little.

Still, I probably shouldn't complain, the south east of England is finally getting some rain so hopefully the drought down here will end soon.

I'm No Tiger

All this talk of war and terrorism is too depressing to talk about right now, so I'm going to take a break from possibly many other blogs by talking about a new hobby I've picked up. Golf!

Not an easy sport by any means - I still haven't gotten over how much skill, intelligence and patience it requires, something I'm not used to from football and rugby which is more a mix of skill and intelligence plus physical contact.

Anyway, I've been a few times before to a driving range with my father when I was a kid, he's an avid golfer. Unfortunately for me though, at the time I was too small to hold his clubs so having a crack at it from a young age wasn't an option - and I doubt my Dad wanted to spend money on a set of clubs for me that I'd only be using for a few years. But yesterday was the day when I finally gave it a go, and to my cousin and uncles surprise (and mine for that matter), I was actually pretty good. My technique wasn't too bad and I seem to be able to whack a ball about 200 yards.

It's all gravy! I'm going to continue giving it a go on the driving range before I move onto a golf course, and if I like it as much as I think I will, I'll end up buying my own graphite clubs. Canni wait.

Do You Know Where You Are?

According to the BBC, a poll suggests that without major landmarks, a lot of Britons struggle to know where they are. I suppose this would be the case for the average Brit who doesn't get around much (for whatever reason). I only managed to score 5 out of 10 on the quiz which I'm a little ashamed about, considering I've been to most of the locations mentioned. I won't give away too much, but give it a go and see how you do.

To the quiz.

On another note, I'm fed up of being told I'm not experienced enough with I.T jobs. I'm going to take out a loan, which will no doubt cripple me, in order to pay for the CCNA and MCSA courses. There's a few 5 day intensive with books courses that are going on around London, so I'm going to take them on.

The whole 5 day thing sounds worrying, but I've checked it out and it seems koshur. My cousin did a similar thing with his electricians course a while back and he's well on his way to becoming fully qualified now.

Here's to hoping.

Foamtastic Hangover

Given the status my body is currently in, I don't know how well I'm going to be able to write.

Spent a good half hour waiting around last night whilst I was just practically jumping around with excitement at the thought of a foam party with many beautiful women. Thought I was going to get let down in some way at some point but that thankfully never happened.

I don't remember a lot, except for the vitals. Plenty of girls doing a few dirty dance moves with yours truly, who loved every second, and more than enough foam to clean east London - unfortunately the latter I'm now paying for. I spent most of the night dancing with girls I couldn't see, only feel (and boy does soapy skin feel amazing!). I was completely covered in soap suds from head to toe with no exaggeration. Clothes drenched, hair dripping, more girls dancing with their bodies close to mine. Great fun.

The alcohol is taking its toll today, but not as much as that foam is. My eyes are still red and sore, so much so it looks like I've been knocking back pills all night.

My cousin and I were up at 4am holding our eyes actually, that's something I've now come to remember. Perhaps as time goes on, I'll remember more of what happened and post it up here.

Word to everyone - you've not lived until you've taken part in a foam party.

Foam Partay!

Foam Party tonight, seriously can't wait. Bikini's and foam was mentioned and I put my name down to be there, should be a blast.

On another note, a friend of mine has a new girlfriend, god bless him, but she's a cocaine dealer who ponces cigarettes, drink and money off of him - 16 years old as well. Some what disappointed in him for picking her and I know she'll end up hurting him, but if he's happy for the time being there's not a lot else I can do.

But screw that, foam party!