To contact us Click HERE
Either it's a slow news day or a producer at the BBC has finally come across the new method of multiplication and division now being taught in schools. Either way in a feat of sheer brilliance they decided to explain it to parents by cramming in a short session before the local news at 8:30; you know when parents are out dropping their kids off at school. Due to the short session they also did a poor job of explaining it; or to be precise why these new methods are being taught and why they might be better in the long run.
I'll guess that the majority reading this are familiar with the traditional method of multiplication
13
*12
130
+26
156
The new method is based on turning the problem into a "grid" and separating it out into simpler numbers
XXXXXXXXXX|XXX
XXXXXXXXXX|XXX
XXXXXXXXXX|XXX
XXXXXXXXXX|XXX
XXXXXXXXXX|XXX
XXXXXXXXXX|XXX
XXXXXXXXXX|XXX
XXXXXXXXXX|XXX
XXXXXXXXXX|XXX
XXXXXXXXXX|XXX
XXXXXXXXXX|XXX
XXXXXXXXXX|XXX
So we have a 10*10 grid, a 3*10 grid, a 10*2 grid and a 3*2 grid Multiply those simple numbers together and add. That's the first stage, but drawing a whole set of points is tedious and if done a person might as well count them as they went along; thus the next step is to simplify that as follows:
10| 3
10|100 30
2| 20 6
Note this is exactly the same as the previous grid, but in a far more compact form. The answer is found by adding all the values within the table. Now this may seem a long winded method of multiplication, but it has two major benefits. The first is that it becomes obvious how numbers multiply together. Consider the tradition method again step by step
13
*12
0
Why is there a zero there? One could answer that it's to allow us to reach the first "1" of "12" or that because the "1" is really a "10" it has to be added, but neither is an intuitive explanation. It becomes "what you need to do to multiply" a black box formula that you don't need to understand simply the ability to process. The grid method shows exactly why every number is where it is. The second reason is that this method can be used in exactly the same way for algebra. Try multiplying x+2 by x+4 using the traditional method
(x+2)
*(x+4)
Where would you even start? Now try it via "gridding"
x| 2
x|x² 2x
4|4x 8
and the answer of x²+6x+8 drops out instantly. This method is known as the distributive property (amusingly causing right-wing panic in the USA). Now while gridding is fine, it's still a little clumsy and thus the final step needs to be added:
13*12 = (10+3)(10+2)=(10*10)+(3*10)+(3*10)+(3*2)
That is remove the grid and, ironically, return to the same traditional method taught in algebra
(x+2)*(x+4) = (x*x)+(x*4)+(2*x)+(2*4)
So that's gridding what about "chunking"? The sum used as an example at the BBC was 987/7 in traditional full long diversion that would appear like so:
141
7|987
7
28
28
07
7
0
This seems obvious, but as with the initial "0" of multiplication there's a question of "why do you drop the numbers down?". The initial stage of "chunking" is to remove "chucks" from the number i.e. multiples of 7 like so
987
-700 (100)
-280 (40)
- 7 (1)
Then add the multiples together. This can also be shown via traditional long diversion as follows:
141
7|987
700
287
280
7
7
0
While this shows where every number comes from, unlike gridding this results in a set of far more difficult maths (287/7 rather than 28/7) It also causes problems when numbers don't even divide take 988/7 in traditional form
141.14
7|988.00
7
28
28
08
7
1 0
7
30
28
2
And so on. Try that using chunking
988
-700 (100)
-280 (40)
- 8 (1)
141 and 1 remaining. While simply stating and 1/7 is fine at the basic mathematics level how would that be expressed as a decimal if the only knowledge of division a person has is via chunking? Try chunking with algebra using our multiplication example; how many (x+2) "chunks" fit into x²+6x+8?
x²+6x+8
x+2 (?)
Try it using traditional long diversion:
x + 4
x+2|x²+6x+8
x²+2x
0+4x+8
4x+8
0
The same method can be used with minor modifications (how many x in x²) Okay it can be done via chunking with some additional lines :
x²+6x+8
x²+2x (x)
4x+8 (4)
Which again results in x+4, but is far more difficult to see.
As I see it "gridding" leads naturally to more advanced forms of alegbra; whilst "chunking", while being a better demonstrative method, may lead to complications further along.
25 Şubat 2013 Pazartesi
Mathematics - bases taught in schools?
To contact us Click HERE
After my post regarding the new methods of multiplication and division I recalled an incident with the Bratii over the holiday period. As is often the case the entire family were discussing various topics one of which was Imperial vs. Metric measurements. My father was complaining regarding news and quiz questions that used the 'new' methods on the grounds that "no-one can understand them" this was quickly dismissed by presenting the point that it was not everyone merely himself and that this generation and the next would have no difficulty in imaging a "plume of dust 3km high". Also that this was far better for school work due to the reliance on base10 which was also used for basic mathematics. A point reinforced when I asked ho many feet there were in a mile and he came back with 1760 (which is yards) and then had to multiply by 3 in his head to provide an answer.
This led the conversation to the discussion of the various number bases used historically. Obvious base12 for inches into feet and pennies into shillings as well as base20 for shillings into pounds and others. Base10 seems only to have 'won' because that's the number of digits we normally possess. Although, it was pointed out, Base2 and Base16 is used in computers
"Why not just use Base2?" asked my mother "As that's the computer method"
"Because it's too large. If I wanted to represent 8b10 it would be as 1000b2" I replied
I then watched as both Bratus Pater and Bartus Major tilted their heads slightly in contemplation
"You're both working out if I've got that right" I laughed
Bratus Pater laughed and admitted to it but Major responded with "No! I've no idea what you're talking about"
This caused some wonderment and bemusement in both myself and his father. He tried some examples and neither Major nor Minor were any the wiser. I wondered if they'd been taught it under a different name and tried "Clock method" which was not understood by any including Bratus Pater until I explained it to him as modular arithmetic.
[Diversion - A simple method of base12 can be seen on an analogue clock (modular 12). Take a number such as 38b10 and travel around the clock subtracting 12 each time (similar to chunking) you go around 3 full times and need to travel 2 stops more (the modulus) the conversion becomes 3 mod 2 or 32b12]
At this point my father chimed in by asking how any of this was relevant or useful. Both myself and Bratus Pater (with our similar backgrounds) jumped in with the computer reference. We both explained that these (2 and 16) are the main bases that computers use; that although the majority of users have no requirement to ever know this it becomes more important at a lower programming level. Given that Bratus Major is moving towards an oil geology field, and that is a specialised subject, at some point he may well need to write or debug computer programmes to provide for something that cannot be obtained 'off the shelf'.
In terms of pure education I can now relate it to "gridding" as something that should be taught early on at the same time as basic base10 mathematics. Although base10 is the most used it appears to be taught in the same black box fashion as traditional multiplication. You start with the units and then move to the ten's the hundred's and so on. So what? Well why move up to hundred's? Consider if it were taught along side a base of 4.
We start with the units then move to the four's and then the sixteen's. Prompting the question why sixteen? So again in base10 we start with the unit's then the ten's then the ten-ten's then the ten-ten-ten's. In base4 again we start with the units and then move to the four's the four-four's and the four-four-four's. No need to get involved with exponents and powers just number multiplied by number.
To reiterate my father's question "Why does this matter?" Well it explains why the system works as it does and moreover demonstrates that the number 10 is not elevated to some special position. With a slight change in history we could all have been using base12 now.
This led the conversation to the discussion of the various number bases used historically. Obvious base12 for inches into feet and pennies into shillings as well as base20 for shillings into pounds and others. Base10 seems only to have 'won' because that's the number of digits we normally possess. Although, it was pointed out, Base2 and Base16 is used in computers
"Why not just use Base2?" asked my mother "As that's the computer method"
"Because it's too large. If I wanted to represent 8b10 it would be as 1000b2" I replied
I then watched as both Bratus Pater and Bartus Major tilted their heads slightly in contemplation
"You're both working out if I've got that right" I laughed
Bratus Pater laughed and admitted to it but Major responded with "No! I've no idea what you're talking about"
This caused some wonderment and bemusement in both myself and his father. He tried some examples and neither Major nor Minor were any the wiser. I wondered if they'd been taught it under a different name and tried "Clock method" which was not understood by any including Bratus Pater until I explained it to him as modular arithmetic.
[Diversion - A simple method of base12 can be seen on an analogue clock (modular 12). Take a number such as 38b10 and travel around the clock subtracting 12 each time (similar to chunking) you go around 3 full times and need to travel 2 stops more (the modulus) the conversion becomes 3 mod 2 or 32b12]
At this point my father chimed in by asking how any of this was relevant or useful. Both myself and Bratus Pater (with our similar backgrounds) jumped in with the computer reference. We both explained that these (2 and 16) are the main bases that computers use; that although the majority of users have no requirement to ever know this it becomes more important at a lower programming level. Given that Bratus Major is moving towards an oil geology field, and that is a specialised subject, at some point he may well need to write or debug computer programmes to provide for something that cannot be obtained 'off the shelf'.
In terms of pure education I can now relate it to "gridding" as something that should be taught early on at the same time as basic base10 mathematics. Although base10 is the most used it appears to be taught in the same black box fashion as traditional multiplication. You start with the units and then move to the ten's the hundred's and so on. So what? Well why move up to hundred's? Consider if it were taught along side a base of 4.
We start with the units then move to the four's and then the sixteen's. Prompting the question why sixteen? So again in base10 we start with the unit's then the ten's then the ten-ten's then the ten-ten-ten's. In base4 again we start with the units and then move to the four's the four-four's and the four-four-four's. No need to get involved with exponents and powers just number multiplied by number.
To reiterate my father's question "Why does this matter?" Well it explains why the system works as it does and moreover demonstrates that the number 10 is not elevated to some special position. With a slight change in history we could all have been using base12 now.
When the logical road solution isn't always the right one.
To contact us Click HERE
Water pipe replacement work is being carried on in Stourport at the moment necessitating a set of controlled traffic lights to allow traffic through as these sit at a three-way junction it would seem logical to put up a set of three way traffic lights. Instead a set of two-way were placed at the junction itself; yesterday they were switched out for a three-way set and this morning back to a two-way. The question is why?
The junction itself in simplistic terms is a straight North-South run with a West side junction. While a two-way set of lights were in effect proceedings were as follows:
Traffic heading South on the main road continued only while the light was green; if they wished to make a turn West they did so at the end of the roadworks just before the stopped Northbound traffic. Traffic heading North on the main road were also required to wait for green; however should they be at the head of the queue and wish to turn West it was easily accomplished on a red light provided no Southbound traffic prevented them. For traffic from the West the rules were a little more complicated.
To head North was only possible on a green light, but would require beating or merging with any other Northbound traffic on the main road. To head South, however, could be accomplished on either a red or green light provided no traffic on the main road prevented it.
The lights were controlled but even with a timing switch the two main streams of traffic would have to wait perhaps a maximum of 2 minutes before the lights changed.
With the alteration to a three-way set of lights all traffic could only move on green. Traffic turning West from the South was now unable to reach the junction to turn on red and must wait also. If the lights were on a timer the wait now doubles as each take their turn. The natural flow of traffic from the West junction is halted. Logically the queues forming at this point should be reduced as they now have an absolute right to proceed at intervals, but the cost is extended queues on the main road. How extended?
Stourport has always had problems with its road network. Consider it a crossroads with the junctions connected by a narrow one-way system. In the mornings the majority flow is from the North, South and West exits outward to the North and East; while in the evening the flow reverses from North and East to North, South and West. In essence the lights blocked the South exit. In theory this should have no effect on the other exists, but as I said it's connected by a one-way system.
Traffic from the North wanting to travel West was unaffected. Traffic from the North to South or East to South of course was. However traffic from the East to North became blocked by the traffic trying to travel South. In turn this prevented lesser traffic from the West travelling either South or East.
This simple change resulted in evening rush hour traffic shifting from a queue stretching 0.1 miles along a single stretch of road into a a multi-tailed queue stretching out to at least 2 miles.
The lesson to learn is to understand and appreciate the traffic flows of wherever is being disrupted.
The junction itself in simplistic terms is a straight North-South run with a West side junction. While a two-way set of lights were in effect proceedings were as follows:
Traffic heading South on the main road continued only while the light was green; if they wished to make a turn West they did so at the end of the roadworks just before the stopped Northbound traffic. Traffic heading North on the main road were also required to wait for green; however should they be at the head of the queue and wish to turn West it was easily accomplished on a red light provided no Southbound traffic prevented them. For traffic from the West the rules were a little more complicated.
To head North was only possible on a green light, but would require beating or merging with any other Northbound traffic on the main road. To head South, however, could be accomplished on either a red or green light provided no traffic on the main road prevented it.
The lights were controlled but even with a timing switch the two main streams of traffic would have to wait perhaps a maximum of 2 minutes before the lights changed.
With the alteration to a three-way set of lights all traffic could only move on green. Traffic turning West from the South was now unable to reach the junction to turn on red and must wait also. If the lights were on a timer the wait now doubles as each take their turn. The natural flow of traffic from the West junction is halted. Logically the queues forming at this point should be reduced as they now have an absolute right to proceed at intervals, but the cost is extended queues on the main road. How extended?
Stourport has always had problems with its road network. Consider it a crossroads with the junctions connected by a narrow one-way system. In the mornings the majority flow is from the North, South and West exits outward to the North and East; while in the evening the flow reverses from North and East to North, South and West. In essence the lights blocked the South exit. In theory this should have no effect on the other exists, but as I said it's connected by a one-way system.
Traffic from the North wanting to travel West was unaffected. Traffic from the North to South or East to South of course was. However traffic from the East to North became blocked by the traffic trying to travel South. In turn this prevented lesser traffic from the West travelling either South or East.
This simple change resulted in evening rush hour traffic shifting from a queue stretching 0.1 miles along a single stretch of road into a a multi-tailed queue stretching out to at least 2 miles.
The lesson to learn is to understand and appreciate the traffic flows of wherever is being disrupted.
All surprises today
To contact us Click HERE
The news has been so unpredictable today - first up is Nick Clegg denying that there was a cover-up over sexual misconduct. Personally I thought he was going to stand up and declare that he'd known all about this and did his best to make sure no-one else would.
The Academy award winners were also a big surprise. For the award to "Best film that makes America look great against evil foreigners" was a toss-up between the two French films and two films that made parts of America look bad and Argo. Best Pretentious Method Actor in a serious American film was also a toughie, but ended up going to the most pretentious method actor in a serious film.
Best actress in a serious role dealing with serious issues looked like it was going to Jessica Chastain in Zero Dark Thirty except that had nasty bits in it that made the good guys look kinda bad so they switched to the serious film dealing with serious issues that didn't and thus Jennifer Lawrence in Silver Linings Playbook.
Best Actress in an uncomfortable role went to the prostitute Anne Hathway for pretending to be French; and Most famous person singing a song went to the most famous person to sing a song for a movie.
All in all a total shock
The Academy award winners were also a big surprise. For the award to "Best film that makes America look great against evil foreigners" was a toss-up between the two French films and two films that made parts of America look bad and Argo. Best Pretentious Method Actor in a serious American film was also a toughie, but ended up going to the most pretentious method actor in a serious film.
Best actress in a serious role dealing with serious issues looked like it was going to Jessica Chastain in Zero Dark Thirty except that had nasty bits in it that made the good guys look kinda bad so they switched to the serious film dealing with serious issues that didn't and thus Jennifer Lawrence in Silver Linings Playbook.
Best Actress in an uncomfortable role went to the prostitute Anne Hathway for pretending to be French; and Most famous person singing a song went to the most famous person to sing a song for a movie.
All in all a total shock
Nitpicky language
To contact us Click HERE
I've been watching BBC's the Great British Menu in bulk 5, episodes at a time. Amazing how much rubbish can be removed - I've turned 2.5 hrs into 1.5 by fast-forwarding through the "this is what we're doing this year"'s the "and these are all the ingredients I'll be using"'s and the "and this is how how chefs did something regarding this year's brief"'s. Oh and the format's still a mess given the supposed goal, but I'll stop digressing.
Last week we had the North East; or Nor Feast as it was called. I've no problem with accents switching "th" for "f" or droppin' end sounds, they're simply diverse sounds and one is really no 'better' than another, but the question that kept being asked was
Yes, yes regionalism, but it's sloppy, causes an upset to my English parsing, and is unnecessary.
Oh I suppose it could have been worse; he could have been asking "Do you think this is a dish what you could make perfect for a hundred guests?"
Last week we had the North East; or Nor Feast as it was called. I've no problem with accents switching "th" for "f" or droppin' end sounds, they're simply diverse sounds and one is really no 'better' than another, but the question that kept being asked was
"Do you think this is a dish what will make the judges laugh?"Ouch. Try this "Do you know what is wrong with that sentence?". Both "Do" and "What" are questioning terms and I can split my query into "What is wrong with that sentence? Do you know?". Now try it with the chef's question "What will make the judges laugh? Do you think this is a dish?" Nonsensical. It could be saved by "What will make the judges laugh? Do you think this is such a dish?". But that's not really what the question was about. The chef was not asking what will make the judges laugh only if this was a dish that could cause them to do so. It wasn't two questions it was merely one presented in an inaccurate form.
Yes, yes regionalism, but it's sloppy, causes an upset to my English parsing, and is unnecessary.
Oh I suppose it could have been worse; he could have been asking "Do you think this is a dish what you could make perfect for a hundred guests?"
24 Şubat 2013 Pazar
Sony's Welcome Back Program Is Live
To contact us Click HERE
The final piece of the PSN puzzle was put into place today, as the "Welcome Back" program content was released on the PSN. PS3 owners can make their selection of two games among the following:
The free 30 days of PlayStation Plus is also live for those that aren't already members. You are NOT automatically enrolled into this, you must "buy" it from the store by heading to the "Welcome Back" section of the store and choosing the "PlayStation Plus: 30 Days Free" option. Existing Plus members WILL automatically have their subscriptions extended by 60 days.
If you're a Home user... is anyone a Home user? Anyhow, if you are, you can find the free 100 virtual items in a kiosk in Home's Central Plaza.
Lastly, the free video content is up and available ONLY THIS WEEKEND.
So start downloading your games and watching your movies, you've got a lot to do this weekend thanks to Sony!
- Dead Nation
- inFamous
- LittleBigPlanet
- Super Stardust HD
- Wipeout HD + Fury
- LittleBigPlanet (PSP)
- ModNation Racers (PSP)
- Pursuit Force
- Killzone Liberation
The free 30 days of PlayStation Plus is also live for those that aren't already members. You are NOT automatically enrolled into this, you must "buy" it from the store by heading to the "Welcome Back" section of the store and choosing the "PlayStation Plus: 30 Days Free" option. Existing Plus members WILL automatically have their subscriptions extended by 60 days.
If you're a Home user... is anyone a Home user? Anyhow, if you are, you can find the free 100 virtual items in a kiosk in Home's Central Plaza.
Lastly, the free video content is up and available ONLY THIS WEEKEND.
So start downloading your games and watching your movies, you've got a lot to do this weekend thanks to Sony!
Games Journalism Isn't Objective
To contact us Click HERE
So I've come out from hiding (and basically insanely busy work and personal life schedules) to comment on this:
Any of you that follow games journalism should recognize Justin McElroy in the video above embracing his beloved copy of Skyrim. This video is certainly meant to be funny, and a bit serious as well since nobody honestly will be seeing Justin for probably 100+ hours now that he has the game.
But it has fueled the ire of those over at NeoGaf claiming "TEH BIAS!!!!11!1!". Here's the deal everyone, a game review is simply an opinion of the person playing it. And that person, no matter how much they want to admit it, will have a bias if they're already a fan of the game, its series, or its publisher even.
Now *normally* I wouldn't have a problem with a video of this type. The problem in this instance though is Joystiq's mantra that they are unbiased in their work. They have put themselves in this ivory tower over and over and over again. So when an editor is such an unabashed fan of something, and your site makes it a HUGE deal that its reviews and reviewers are unbiased, editorial has an easy fix for this. Don't let that person review that game. This of course is a problem if the person with the problem is the site's managing editor that refuses to give up the review.
On his personal blog Justin goes on to defend his video and the fact that he will still be reviewing the game for Joystiq. He says near the end:
This would be EXACTLY RIGHT except for the site's stated policy that everything is unbiased, and the lengths they go to in order to "provide unbiased coverage and criticism of the video game industry."
I know, it's easy for me to talk with a po-dunk personal blog that receives exactly squat for free. But here's the thing, if anyone anywhere ever wants to send me anything for free, I'm taking it, disclosing it to the public, and then publishing my thoughts on what I got. That's *my* stated policy. We'll see whether or not Joystiq's Editor-in-Chief Chris Grant sacks up and tells Justin he needs to stand down in order to preserve the site's ethics. Either way it goes, it's made for high comedy.
Any of you that follow games journalism should recognize Justin McElroy in the video above embracing his beloved copy of Skyrim. This video is certainly meant to be funny, and a bit serious as well since nobody honestly will be seeing Justin for probably 100+ hours now that he has the game.
But it has fueled the ire of those over at NeoGaf claiming "TEH BIAS!!!!11!1!". Here's the deal everyone, a game review is simply an opinion of the person playing it. And that person, no matter how much they want to admit it, will have a bias if they're already a fan of the game, its series, or its publisher even.
Now *normally* I wouldn't have a problem with a video of this type. The problem in this instance though is Joystiq's mantra that they are unbiased in their work. They have put themselves in this ivory tower over and over and over again. So when an editor is such an unabashed fan of something, and your site makes it a HUGE deal that its reviews and reviewers are unbiased, editorial has an easy fix for this. Don't let that person review that game. This of course is a problem if the person with the problem is the site's managing editor that refuses to give up the review.
On his personal blog Justin goes on to defend his video and the fact that he will still be reviewing the game for Joystiq. He says near the end:
"The trick, to crib a line from Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical Rent, is finding a critic with baggage that goes with yours."
This would be EXACTLY RIGHT except for the site's stated policy that everything is unbiased, and the lengths they go to in order to "provide unbiased coverage and criticism of the video game industry."
I know, it's easy for me to talk with a po-dunk personal blog that receives exactly squat for free. But here's the thing, if anyone anywhere ever wants to send me anything for free, I'm taking it, disclosing it to the public, and then publishing my thoughts on what I got. That's *my* stated policy. We'll see whether or not Joystiq's Editor-in-Chief Chris Grant sacks up and tells Justin he needs to stand down in order to preserve the site's ethics. Either way it goes, it's made for high comedy.
Early Play - What's the Big Deal?
To contact us Click HERE
It appears that a few retailers have jumped the gun and began selling Modern Warfare 3 just a *tad* early. Those that have been able to take advantage of this, of course, started playing. Yesterday, Xbox Live Director of Policy and Enforcement Stephen Toulouse tweeted the following:
Stepto: clarification: dblchk'd with Activision. Mw3 pre-release play not authorized. So pls be patient. Playing early may impact your account! (link to tweet)
Two things are at question here. First, it has been Microsoft's policy in the past that if you've legitimately obtained a game prior to its official release, go nuts. This even came from Toulouse himself earlier in the day tweeting:
Stepto: For those asking about MW3 pre-release play: If your copy is legit and obtained legitly, have fun. It's a great game. (link to tweet)
So why the reversal? Is Activision now dictating to Microsoft what its policy should be? Moreover, if they're really that concerned about people playing it before release, here's a novel thought. Turn off the multiplayer servers until release. That'll teach those bastards to pay you money before they're supposed to!
And that brings me to point number two. Why does it really matter? These people are not pirates. They're paying customers. I could totally understand if these were leaked copies of the game being spread far and wide across the Internet. This is not the case. Here, you're punishing your most rabid fans for legitimately obtaining the game early. You want to take it out on someone? Find the retailer that sold it early and tell them they don't get the game next time. Or if it was really that severe in your eyes, blacklist them from getting other games published from your company. Don't punish the consumer, they're innocent in this scenario. Who of us *wouldn't* take that opportunity?
The conspiracy theorist in me isn't entirely sure this hasn't been orchestrated since Battlefield 3 is enjoying some pretty ridiculous sales numbers with no opposition and Activision can't have it. This could be the *wink wink, nudge nudge* "Now you're not supposed to be doing this yet guys!" in order to get some free publicity and to undercut the competition.
It's moderate level d-baggery at its worst, and crappy publicity stunt at its best. Either way, the consumer that did no wrong ends up standing to lose the most.
Update - Toulouse later went on to say that nobody would see retribution for early play but to "wait til Tuesday to play with everybody", whatever that meant.
Stepto: clarification: dblchk'd with Activision. Mw3 pre-release play not authorized. So pls be patient. Playing early may impact your account! (link to tweet)
Two things are at question here. First, it has been Microsoft's policy in the past that if you've legitimately obtained a game prior to its official release, go nuts. This even came from Toulouse himself earlier in the day tweeting:
Stepto: For those asking about MW3 pre-release play: If your copy is legit and obtained legitly, have fun. It's a great game. (link to tweet)
So why the reversal? Is Activision now dictating to Microsoft what its policy should be? Moreover, if they're really that concerned about people playing it before release, here's a novel thought. Turn off the multiplayer servers until release. That'll teach those bastards to pay you money before they're supposed to!
And that brings me to point number two. Why does it really matter? These people are not pirates. They're paying customers. I could totally understand if these were leaked copies of the game being spread far and wide across the Internet. This is not the case. Here, you're punishing your most rabid fans for legitimately obtaining the game early. You want to take it out on someone? Find the retailer that sold it early and tell them they don't get the game next time. Or if it was really that severe in your eyes, blacklist them from getting other games published from your company. Don't punish the consumer, they're innocent in this scenario. Who of us *wouldn't* take that opportunity?
The conspiracy theorist in me isn't entirely sure this hasn't been orchestrated since Battlefield 3 is enjoying some pretty ridiculous sales numbers with no opposition and Activision can't have it. This could be the *wink wink, nudge nudge* "Now you're not supposed to be doing this yet guys!" in order to get some free publicity and to undercut the competition.
It's moderate level d-baggery at its worst, and crappy publicity stunt at its best. Either way, the consumer that did no wrong ends up standing to lose the most.
Update - Toulouse later went on to say that nobody would see retribution for early play but to "wait til Tuesday to play with everybody", whatever that meant.
Veteran Gamer's Top 5 Games of the Year
To contact us Click HERE
Back again! Sorry for the delay on this article, but hey, I'm only one man. And just as with last, year, the following disclaimer returns:
There's no way I can play all of the great games that were released this year. So this is purely my "Top 5 Games I played this year" list, with the system I played it on in parenthesis. The biggest caveat to this list that should be noted off the top. I only own the 360 and PS3. The Wii hasn't held my interest since launch, and I don't have a PC that is beefy enough to run anything worth playing.
Continuing last year's start, I present to you the game I just didn't get last year:
WTF Was This Game So Popular Game of the Year: Nobody!
Three cheers for the gaming industry and press! As I looked back at last year, there were NO critically acclaimed games released that I sat wondering why I was playing. Everything I played was worth playing, and I think that speaks to just how AWESOME a year 2011 was for gaming.
Most Disappointing Game of the Year: Battlefield 3
As awesome as Battlefield Bad Company 2 was last year, Battlefield 3 completely disappointed. Glitches galore ruin this iteration of 2010's best shooter. My crew and I still have issues with mics working properly and actually staying in our squads after joining games. EA shot high with its marketing and unfortunately DICE fell flat in delivery.
#5: Mortal Kombat (Xbox 360)
Surprise, surprise, surprise. For the first time in forever, a Mortal Kombat game was worth playing for me. Chucking the 3D gameplay that strayed so far from what made the series great at it's inception, NetherRealm went all nostalgia on us and FREAKING NAILED IT. But it's not just nostalgia running the show here. The game includes a real story mode that is the most entertaining in any one on one fighting game I've ever played. I've sunk 11 hours in this game and still haven't finished the story. If you've ever been a fan of the series, you'll find the newest iteration well worth your money.
#4: Uncharted 3 (PS3)
Uncharted 3 was equal parts frustrating, equal parts mesmerizing in my experience. Game controls were frustrating in many parts, from inadvertently jumping to my death many times, to everyone's favorite thing, instant fail sequences. But the parts where it fell short were minimal compared to the fantastic visuals and engaging story, which is why despite my frustration, Uncharted 3 reaches my top 5.
#3: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
(Xbox 360)
It just couldn't live completely up to the hype for me. Add in a month period where the game was unplayable due to an elemental bug introduced after a patch, and Skyrim fell out of the GOTY perch for me. However, this is still an outstanding game. I've barely scratched the surface in my 16 hours of play, and love this fact. This is of course a detriment to several high quality games sitting on my shelf, some of which I've not even touched, but they'll get their due. Eventually.
#2: Gears of War 3 (Xbox 360)
The Gears trilogy finishes strong. Another great single player experience, and a lot more splattering grubs and glowies. Though I don't get the competitive multiplayer at all in this series, Horde 2.0 and the new Beast modes shine. The tower defense style in Horde 2.0 improves on an already addicting formula. And of course, the ability to play as the Locust in Beast mode is a neat new addition. In another year, this could have been the GOTY... but it's most certainly the shooter of the year!
Before I get to #1, here are some honorable mentions...
Honorable Mention: Forza Motorsport 4 (Xbox 360)
Everyone's favorite version of car porn probably would have made my list had I just had some more time to play it. Sadly, with only 3 hours played, I couldn't in good conscience put it into my top 5. That said, I've had a blast with what I've played of what is easily the most beautiful racing game on a console.
Honorable Mention: Shadows of the Damned
(Xbox 360)
God of War like in it's gameplay, but a 3rd person shooter in reality. Throw in copious amounts of gore and bullet time sequences and you've got... well... what this game is. This is a really hard game to describe, and yet in the short time I played it (less than an hour) I was having a lot of fun. If you like shooters and want something different, you won't be disappointed.
Honorable Mention: Once Upon a Monster (Xbox 360)
Holy crap, a Kinect game made this list! But it's because it's an unbelievable experience if you also happen to have young children. I've played eight hours of this game with my son, and he's just loved it to death. I can't thank Double Fine enough for giving me my first gaming experience with my son and making it great.
And now, Veteran Gamer's Game of the Year is...
Game of the Year: Portal 2 (PS3)
I could wax poetic about this game. I devoured the single player in this game, leapt into the multiplayer via couch co-op with a friend, and was disappointed to finally reach the end. The puzzles were brilliant, the humor was some of the best ever in a video game, and the gameplay was near perfection. I'm not sure how Valve will deliver us a Portal 3 after the ending, but here's hoping they find a way, because a world without GladOS is a world I don't want to live in.
Thus closes my year in gaming for 2011. Can 2012 possibly top 2011 and even 2010 before it? Like last year, the games I didn't get to which certainly could have been contenders for my top five were numerous. A few that would certainly have been in the running were Batman Arkham City, Saint's Row the Third, Dark Souls, LA Noire, and certainly more. As with last year, thanks to everyone who's sticking with my tiny little blog. I hope to improve more for this year!
Back again! Sorry for the delay on this article, but hey, I'm only one man. And just as with last, year, the following disclaimer returns:
There's no way I can play all of the great games that were released this year. So this is purely my "Top 5 Games I played this year" list, with the system I played it on in parenthesis. The biggest caveat to this list that should be noted off the top. I only own the 360 and PS3. The Wii hasn't held my interest since launch, and I don't have a PC that is beefy enough to run anything worth playing.
Continuing last year's start, I present to you the game I just didn't get last year:
WTF Was This Game So Popular Game of the Year: Nobody!
Three cheers for the gaming industry and press! As I looked back at last year, there were NO critically acclaimed games released that I sat wondering why I was playing. Everything I played was worth playing, and I think that speaks to just how AWESOME a year 2011 was for gaming.
Most Disappointing Game of the Year: Battlefield 3
As awesome as Battlefield Bad Company 2 was last year, Battlefield 3 completely disappointed. Glitches galore ruin this iteration of 2010's best shooter. My crew and I still have issues with mics working properly and actually staying in our squads after joining games. EA shot high with its marketing and unfortunately DICE fell flat in delivery.
#5: Mortal Kombat (Xbox 360)
Surprise, surprise, surprise. For the first time in forever, a Mortal Kombat game was worth playing for me. Chucking the 3D gameplay that strayed so far from what made the series great at it's inception, NetherRealm went all nostalgia on us and FREAKING NAILED IT. But it's not just nostalgia running the show here. The game includes a real story mode that is the most entertaining in any one on one fighting game I've ever played. I've sunk 11 hours in this game and still haven't finished the story. If you've ever been a fan of the series, you'll find the newest iteration well worth your money.
#4: Uncharted 3 (PS3)
Uncharted 3 was equal parts frustrating, equal parts mesmerizing in my experience. Game controls were frustrating in many parts, from inadvertently jumping to my death many times, to everyone's favorite thing, instant fail sequences. But the parts where it fell short were minimal compared to the fantastic visuals and engaging story, which is why despite my frustration, Uncharted 3 reaches my top 5.
#3: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
(Xbox 360)It just couldn't live completely up to the hype for me. Add in a month period where the game was unplayable due to an elemental bug introduced after a patch, and Skyrim fell out of the GOTY perch for me. However, this is still an outstanding game. I've barely scratched the surface in my 16 hours of play, and love this fact. This is of course a detriment to several high quality games sitting on my shelf, some of which I've not even touched, but they'll get their due. Eventually.
#2: Gears of War 3 (Xbox 360)
The Gears trilogy finishes strong. Another great single player experience, and a lot more splattering grubs and glowies. Though I don't get the competitive multiplayer at all in this series, Horde 2.0 and the new Beast modes shine. The tower defense style in Horde 2.0 improves on an already addicting formula. And of course, the ability to play as the Locust in Beast mode is a neat new addition. In another year, this could have been the GOTY... but it's most certainly the shooter of the year!
Before I get to #1, here are some honorable mentions...
Honorable Mention: Forza Motorsport 4 (Xbox 360)
Everyone's favorite version of car porn probably would have made my list had I just had some more time to play it. Sadly, with only 3 hours played, I couldn't in good conscience put it into my top 5. That said, I've had a blast with what I've played of what is easily the most beautiful racing game on a console.
Honorable Mention: Shadows of the Damned
(Xbox 360)God of War like in it's gameplay, but a 3rd person shooter in reality. Throw in copious amounts of gore and bullet time sequences and you've got... well... what this game is. This is a really hard game to describe, and yet in the short time I played it (less than an hour) I was having a lot of fun. If you like shooters and want something different, you won't be disappointed.
Honorable Mention: Once Upon a Monster (Xbox 360)
Holy crap, a Kinect game made this list! But it's because it's an unbelievable experience if you also happen to have young children. I've played eight hours of this game with my son, and he's just loved it to death. I can't thank Double Fine enough for giving me my first gaming experience with my son and making it great.
And now, Veteran Gamer's Game of the Year is...
Game of the Year: Portal 2 (PS3)
I could wax poetic about this game. I devoured the single player in this game, leapt into the multiplayer via couch co-op with a friend, and was disappointed to finally reach the end. The puzzles were brilliant, the humor was some of the best ever in a video game, and the gameplay was near perfection. I'm not sure how Valve will deliver us a Portal 3 after the ending, but here's hoping they find a way, because a world without GladOS is a world I don't want to live in.
Thus closes my year in gaming for 2011. Can 2012 possibly top 2011 and even 2010 before it? Like last year, the games I didn't get to which certainly could have been contenders for my top five were numerous. A few that would certainly have been in the running were Batman Arkham City, Saint's Row the Third, Dark Souls, LA Noire, and certainly more. As with last year, thanks to everyone who's sticking with my tiny little blog. I hope to improve more for this year!
23 Şubat 2013 Cumartesi
The Bedroom Tax mess
To contact us Click HERE
It's been kicking around for some time, but a story in the Shuttle shows the sheer idiocy of the government's "under-occupancy" benefit reduction commonly referred to as "bedroom tax". A disabled man uses the spare bedroom for his dialysis machine yet may face a cut as it's an unoccupied bedroom and thus lose his home.
How truly screwed-up is this plan? I'll go through it point by point.
First off is the definition of under-occupancy as provided in the Parliamentary papers. In a simplistic tone one could state under-occupancy occurs with an un-used bedroom; too simplistic for the government though. Under-occupancy can occur where a bedroom is being used when unnecessary. Two under-15's of the same sex (the paper incorrectly uses the word gender) each with their own bedroom would be deemed under-occupancy as they should be sharing; children under-9 should share regardless of their sex.
So it's not just having a spare bedroom it's potentially having a spare bedroom.
How much of a failure is this? Consider a house with three bedrooms small bedrooms and two 12-year old boys (or girls) this would be classed as having a spare bedroom in exactly the same way a house with three large-bedrooms would. Laughingly the paper even points this out and shifts blame to the landlords who they claim wanted this so as to not to have to measure up all the rooms. Please show me any landlord who hasn't measured the rooms of their property.
At least all this only applies to designated bedrooms. A designated bedroom being - whatever the landlord designates as a bedroom on the lease/agreement. Excellent. So move into a three-bedroom house and shift one of the spare rooms into a medical centre and it's still a bedroom. Stick a campbed in the living room and it's still a living room.
Again the joke is that the paper points out the problem here and again makes the excuse that it's up to the landlord and this makes things easier for the benefits office in how to define such things.
I'm sorry we're not here to make life easy for the government departments; by all means don't go out of your way to make things harder, but we're discussing removing money from people causing them/forcing them to move out of properties they may have lived in for years even decades. Going the easy route is not something that should be taken by default.
Why are we even doing this in the first place - read the very first paragraph of the paper
So what's the real story here? It's the moocher/slacker spin that the Conservatives in concert with certain tabloid papers just love. The welfare people living lives of ease in mansions on "your" money and you know what there are indeed some out there - some. A minority, a tiny minority. A minority so small it barely registers until some tabloid goes off on the single example they happen to find.
This is politics; this is playing to the middle-class (a group along the same lines of 'average' drivers with all the self-proclaimed members). Let's not try to get the economy working so more people work and aren't on benefit (or reduced benefits). Let's try not to stimulate the housing market by building more houses (can't risk the ire of falling house prices) beyond the free-market approach of tearing up planning restrictions. Nope let's attack a group out of sheer political expediency. That'll work.
How truly screwed-up is this plan? I'll go through it point by point.
First off is the definition of under-occupancy as provided in the Parliamentary papers. In a simplistic tone one could state under-occupancy occurs with an un-used bedroom; too simplistic for the government though. Under-occupancy can occur where a bedroom is being used when unnecessary. Two under-15's of the same sex (the paper incorrectly uses the word gender) each with their own bedroom would be deemed under-occupancy as they should be sharing; children under-9 should share regardless of their sex.
So it's not just having a spare bedroom it's potentially having a spare bedroom.
How much of a failure is this? Consider a house with three bedrooms small bedrooms and two 12-year old boys (or girls) this would be classed as having a spare bedroom in exactly the same way a house with three large-bedrooms would. Laughingly the paper even points this out and shifts blame to the landlords who they claim wanted this so as to not to have to measure up all the rooms. Please show me any landlord who hasn't measured the rooms of their property.
At least all this only applies to designated bedrooms. A designated bedroom being - whatever the landlord designates as a bedroom on the lease/agreement. Excellent. So move into a three-bedroom house and shift one of the spare rooms into a medical centre and it's still a bedroom. Stick a campbed in the living room and it's still a living room.
Again the joke is that the paper points out the problem here and again makes the excuse that it's up to the landlord and this makes things easier for the benefits office in how to define such things.
I'm sorry we're not here to make life easy for the government departments; by all means don't go out of your way to make things harder, but we're discussing removing money from people causing them/forcing them to move out of properties they may have lived in for years even decades. Going the easy route is not something that should be taken by default.
Why are we even doing this in the first place - read the very first paragraph of the paper
Social landlords have long had an interest in tackling under-occupation in order to achieve the best use of their housing stock. Landlords have developed incentive schemes to encourage tenants to relocate to smaller properties; however, as a general rule, they do not have the power to force social tenants to move against their will.So much for the great vaunted free-market that our Conservative masters bring up - the free market is offering incentives and that's failed so the government's decided to step in. Gee so glad they are hope they step in regarding water/energy/food prices - oh wait no can do that's all about competition and the free market - hypocrites.
So what's the real story here? It's the moocher/slacker spin that the Conservatives in concert with certain tabloid papers just love. The welfare people living lives of ease in mansions on "your" money and you know what there are indeed some out there - some. A minority, a tiny minority. A minority so small it barely registers until some tabloid goes off on the single example they happen to find.
This is politics; this is playing to the middle-class (a group along the same lines of 'average' drivers with all the self-proclaimed members). Let's not try to get the economy working so more people work and aren't on benefit (or reduced benefits). Let's try not to stimulate the housing market by building more houses (can't risk the ire of falling house prices) beyond the free-market approach of tearing up planning restrictions. Nope let's attack a group out of sheer political expediency. That'll work.
Sony's Welcome Back Program Is Live
To contact us Click HERE
The final piece of the PSN puzzle was put into place today, as the "Welcome Back" program content was released on the PSN. PS3 owners can make their selection of two games among the following:
The free 30 days of PlayStation Plus is also live for those that aren't already members. You are NOT automatically enrolled into this, you must "buy" it from the store by heading to the "Welcome Back" section of the store and choosing the "PlayStation Plus: 30 Days Free" option. Existing Plus members WILL automatically have their subscriptions extended by 60 days.
If you're a Home user... is anyone a Home user? Anyhow, if you are, you can find the free 100 virtual items in a kiosk in Home's Central Plaza.
Lastly, the free video content is up and available ONLY THIS WEEKEND.
So start downloading your games and watching your movies, you've got a lot to do this weekend thanks to Sony!
- Dead Nation
- inFamous
- LittleBigPlanet
- Super Stardust HD
- Wipeout HD + Fury
- LittleBigPlanet (PSP)
- ModNation Racers (PSP)
- Pursuit Force
- Killzone Liberation
The free 30 days of PlayStation Plus is also live for those that aren't already members. You are NOT automatically enrolled into this, you must "buy" it from the store by heading to the "Welcome Back" section of the store and choosing the "PlayStation Plus: 30 Days Free" option. Existing Plus members WILL automatically have their subscriptions extended by 60 days.
If you're a Home user... is anyone a Home user? Anyhow, if you are, you can find the free 100 virtual items in a kiosk in Home's Central Plaza.
Lastly, the free video content is up and available ONLY THIS WEEKEND.
So start downloading your games and watching your movies, you've got a lot to do this weekend thanks to Sony!
Games Journalism Isn't Objective
To contact us Click HERE
So I've come out from hiding (and basically insanely busy work and personal life schedules) to comment on this:
Any of you that follow games journalism should recognize Justin McElroy in the video above embracing his beloved copy of Skyrim. This video is certainly meant to be funny, and a bit serious as well since nobody honestly will be seeing Justin for probably 100+ hours now that he has the game.
But it has fueled the ire of those over at NeoGaf claiming "TEH BIAS!!!!11!1!". Here's the deal everyone, a game review is simply an opinion of the person playing it. And that person, no matter how much they want to admit it, will have a bias if they're already a fan of the game, its series, or its publisher even.
Now *normally* I wouldn't have a problem with a video of this type. The problem in this instance though is Joystiq's mantra that they are unbiased in their work. They have put themselves in this ivory tower over and over and over again. So when an editor is such an unabashed fan of something, and your site makes it a HUGE deal that its reviews and reviewers are unbiased, editorial has an easy fix for this. Don't let that person review that game. This of course is a problem if the person with the problem is the site's managing editor that refuses to give up the review.
On his personal blog Justin goes on to defend his video and the fact that he will still be reviewing the game for Joystiq. He says near the end:
This would be EXACTLY RIGHT except for the site's stated policy that everything is unbiased, and the lengths they go to in order to "provide unbiased coverage and criticism of the video game industry."
I know, it's easy for me to talk with a po-dunk personal blog that receives exactly squat for free. But here's the thing, if anyone anywhere ever wants to send me anything for free, I'm taking it, disclosing it to the public, and then publishing my thoughts on what I got. That's *my* stated policy. We'll see whether or not Joystiq's Editor-in-Chief Chris Grant sacks up and tells Justin he needs to stand down in order to preserve the site's ethics. Either way it goes, it's made for high comedy.
Any of you that follow games journalism should recognize Justin McElroy in the video above embracing his beloved copy of Skyrim. This video is certainly meant to be funny, and a bit serious as well since nobody honestly will be seeing Justin for probably 100+ hours now that he has the game.
But it has fueled the ire of those over at NeoGaf claiming "TEH BIAS!!!!11!1!". Here's the deal everyone, a game review is simply an opinion of the person playing it. And that person, no matter how much they want to admit it, will have a bias if they're already a fan of the game, its series, or its publisher even.
Now *normally* I wouldn't have a problem with a video of this type. The problem in this instance though is Joystiq's mantra that they are unbiased in their work. They have put themselves in this ivory tower over and over and over again. So when an editor is such an unabashed fan of something, and your site makes it a HUGE deal that its reviews and reviewers are unbiased, editorial has an easy fix for this. Don't let that person review that game. This of course is a problem if the person with the problem is the site's managing editor that refuses to give up the review.
On his personal blog Justin goes on to defend his video and the fact that he will still be reviewing the game for Joystiq. He says near the end:
"The trick, to crib a line from Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical Rent, is finding a critic with baggage that goes with yours."
This would be EXACTLY RIGHT except for the site's stated policy that everything is unbiased, and the lengths they go to in order to "provide unbiased coverage and criticism of the video game industry."
I know, it's easy for me to talk with a po-dunk personal blog that receives exactly squat for free. But here's the thing, if anyone anywhere ever wants to send me anything for free, I'm taking it, disclosing it to the public, and then publishing my thoughts on what I got. That's *my* stated policy. We'll see whether or not Joystiq's Editor-in-Chief Chris Grant sacks up and tells Justin he needs to stand down in order to preserve the site's ethics. Either way it goes, it's made for high comedy.
Early Play - What's the Big Deal?
To contact us Click HERE
It appears that a few retailers have jumped the gun and began selling Modern Warfare 3 just a *tad* early. Those that have been able to take advantage of this, of course, started playing. Yesterday, Xbox Live Director of Policy and Enforcement Stephen Toulouse tweeted the following:
Stepto: clarification: dblchk'd with Activision. Mw3 pre-release play not authorized. So pls be patient. Playing early may impact your account! (link to tweet)
Two things are at question here. First, it has been Microsoft's policy in the past that if you've legitimately obtained a game prior to its official release, go nuts. This even came from Toulouse himself earlier in the day tweeting:
Stepto: For those asking about MW3 pre-release play: If your copy is legit and obtained legitly, have fun. It's a great game. (link to tweet)
So why the reversal? Is Activision now dictating to Microsoft what its policy should be? Moreover, if they're really that concerned about people playing it before release, here's a novel thought. Turn off the multiplayer servers until release. That'll teach those bastards to pay you money before they're supposed to!
And that brings me to point number two. Why does it really matter? These people are not pirates. They're paying customers. I could totally understand if these were leaked copies of the game being spread far and wide across the Internet. This is not the case. Here, you're punishing your most rabid fans for legitimately obtaining the game early. You want to take it out on someone? Find the retailer that sold it early and tell them they don't get the game next time. Or if it was really that severe in your eyes, blacklist them from getting other games published from your company. Don't punish the consumer, they're innocent in this scenario. Who of us *wouldn't* take that opportunity?
The conspiracy theorist in me isn't entirely sure this hasn't been orchestrated since Battlefield 3 is enjoying some pretty ridiculous sales numbers with no opposition and Activision can't have it. This could be the *wink wink, nudge nudge* "Now you're not supposed to be doing this yet guys!" in order to get some free publicity and to undercut the competition.
It's moderate level d-baggery at its worst, and crappy publicity stunt at its best. Either way, the consumer that did no wrong ends up standing to lose the most.
Update - Toulouse later went on to say that nobody would see retribution for early play but to "wait til Tuesday to play with everybody", whatever that meant.
Stepto: clarification: dblchk'd with Activision. Mw3 pre-release play not authorized. So pls be patient. Playing early may impact your account! (link to tweet)
Two things are at question here. First, it has been Microsoft's policy in the past that if you've legitimately obtained a game prior to its official release, go nuts. This even came from Toulouse himself earlier in the day tweeting:
Stepto: For those asking about MW3 pre-release play: If your copy is legit and obtained legitly, have fun. It's a great game. (link to tweet)
So why the reversal? Is Activision now dictating to Microsoft what its policy should be? Moreover, if they're really that concerned about people playing it before release, here's a novel thought. Turn off the multiplayer servers until release. That'll teach those bastards to pay you money before they're supposed to!
And that brings me to point number two. Why does it really matter? These people are not pirates. They're paying customers. I could totally understand if these were leaked copies of the game being spread far and wide across the Internet. This is not the case. Here, you're punishing your most rabid fans for legitimately obtaining the game early. You want to take it out on someone? Find the retailer that sold it early and tell them they don't get the game next time. Or if it was really that severe in your eyes, blacklist them from getting other games published from your company. Don't punish the consumer, they're innocent in this scenario. Who of us *wouldn't* take that opportunity?
The conspiracy theorist in me isn't entirely sure this hasn't been orchestrated since Battlefield 3 is enjoying some pretty ridiculous sales numbers with no opposition and Activision can't have it. This could be the *wink wink, nudge nudge* "Now you're not supposed to be doing this yet guys!" in order to get some free publicity and to undercut the competition.
It's moderate level d-baggery at its worst, and crappy publicity stunt at its best. Either way, the consumer that did no wrong ends up standing to lose the most.
Update - Toulouse later went on to say that nobody would see retribution for early play but to "wait til Tuesday to play with everybody", whatever that meant.
Veteran Gamer's Top 5 Games of the Year
To contact us Click HERE
Back again! Sorry for the delay on this article, but hey, I'm only one man. And just as with last, year, the following disclaimer returns:
There's no way I can play all of the great games that were released this year. So this is purely my "Top 5 Games I played this year" list, with the system I played it on in parenthesis. The biggest caveat to this list that should be noted off the top. I only own the 360 and PS3. The Wii hasn't held my interest since launch, and I don't have a PC that is beefy enough to run anything worth playing.
Continuing last year's start, I present to you the game I just didn't get last year:
WTF Was This Game So Popular Game of the Year: Nobody!
Three cheers for the gaming industry and press! As I looked back at last year, there were NO critically acclaimed games released that I sat wondering why I was playing. Everything I played was worth playing, and I think that speaks to just how AWESOME a year 2011 was for gaming.
Most Disappointing Game of the Year: Battlefield 3
As awesome as Battlefield Bad Company 2 was last year, Battlefield 3 completely disappointed. Glitches galore ruin this iteration of 2010's best shooter. My crew and I still have issues with mics working properly and actually staying in our squads after joining games. EA shot high with its marketing and unfortunately DICE fell flat in delivery.
#5: Mortal Kombat (Xbox 360)
Surprise, surprise, surprise. For the first time in forever, a Mortal Kombat game was worth playing for me. Chucking the 3D gameplay that strayed so far from what made the series great at it's inception, NetherRealm went all nostalgia on us and FREAKING NAILED IT. But it's not just nostalgia running the show here. The game includes a real story mode that is the most entertaining in any one on one fighting game I've ever played. I've sunk 11 hours in this game and still haven't finished the story. If you've ever been a fan of the series, you'll find the newest iteration well worth your money.
#4: Uncharted 3 (PS3)
Uncharted 3 was equal parts frustrating, equal parts mesmerizing in my experience. Game controls were frustrating in many parts, from inadvertently jumping to my death many times, to everyone's favorite thing, instant fail sequences. But the parts where it fell short were minimal compared to the fantastic visuals and engaging story, which is why despite my frustration, Uncharted 3 reaches my top 5.
#3: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Xbox 360)
It just couldn't live completely up to the hype for me. Add in a month period where the game was unplayable due to an elemental bug introduced after a patch, and Skyrim fell out of the GOTY perch for me. However, this is still an outstanding game. I've barely scratched the surface in my 16 hours of play, and love this fact. This is of course a detriment to several high quality games sitting on my shelf, some of which I've not even touched, but they'll get their due. Eventually.
#2: Gears of War 3 (Xbox 360)
The Gears trilogy finishes strong. Another great single player experience, and a lot more splattering grubs and glowies. Though I don't get the competitive multiplayer at all in this series, Horde 2.0 and the new Beast modes shine. The tower defense style in Horde 2.0 improves on an already addicting formula. And of course, the ability to play as the Locust in Beast mode is a neat new addition. In another year, this could have been the GOTY... but it's most certainly the shooter of the year!
Before I get to #1, here are some honorable mentions...
Honorable Mention: Forza Motorsport 4 (Xbox 360)
Everyone's favorite version of car porn probably would have made my list had I just had some more time to play it. Sadly, with only 3 hours played, I couldn't in good conscience put it into my top 5. That said, I've had a blast with what I've played of what is easily the most beautiful racing game on a console.
Honorable Mention: Shadows of the Damned (Xbox 360)
God of War like in it's gameplay, but a 3rd person shooter in reality. Throw in copious amounts of gore and bullet time sequences and you've got... well... what this game is. This is a really hard game to describe, and yet in the short time I played it (less than an hour) I was having a lot of fun. If you like shooters and want something different, you won't be disappointed.
Honorable Mention: Once Upon a Monster (Xbox 360)
Holy crap, a Kinect game made this list! But it's because it's an unbelievable experience if you also happen to have young children. I've played eight hours of this game with my son, and he's just loved it to death. I can't thank Double Fine enough for giving me my first gaming experience with my son and making it great.
And now, Veteran Gamer's Game of the Year is...
Game of the Year: Portal 2 (PS3)
I could wax poetic about this game. I devoured the single player in this game, leapt into the multiplayer via couch co-op with a friend, and was disappointed to finally reach the end. The puzzles were brilliant, the humor was some of the best ever in a video game, and the gameplay was near perfection. I'm not sure how Valve will deliver us a Portal 3 after the ending, but here's hoping they find a way, because a world without GladOS is a world I don't want to live in.
Thus closes my year in gaming for 2011. Can 2012 possibly top 2011 and even 2010 before it? Like last year, the games I didn't get to which certainly could have been contenders for my top five were numerous. A few that would certainly have been in the running were Batman Arkham City, Saint's Row the Third, Dark Souls, LA Noire, and certainly more. As with last year, thanks to everyone who's sticking with my tiny little blog. I hope to improve more for this year!
Back again! Sorry for the delay on this article, but hey, I'm only one man. And just as with last, year, the following disclaimer returns:
There's no way I can play all of the great games that were released this year. So this is purely my "Top 5 Games I played this year" list, with the system I played it on in parenthesis. The biggest caveat to this list that should be noted off the top. I only own the 360 and PS3. The Wii hasn't held my interest since launch, and I don't have a PC that is beefy enough to run anything worth playing.
Continuing last year's start, I present to you the game I just didn't get last year:
WTF Was This Game So Popular Game of the Year: Nobody!
Three cheers for the gaming industry and press! As I looked back at last year, there were NO critically acclaimed games released that I sat wondering why I was playing. Everything I played was worth playing, and I think that speaks to just how AWESOME a year 2011 was for gaming.
Most Disappointing Game of the Year: Battlefield 3
As awesome as Battlefield Bad Company 2 was last year, Battlefield 3 completely disappointed. Glitches galore ruin this iteration of 2010's best shooter. My crew and I still have issues with mics working properly and actually staying in our squads after joining games. EA shot high with its marketing and unfortunately DICE fell flat in delivery.
#5: Mortal Kombat (Xbox 360)
Surprise, surprise, surprise. For the first time in forever, a Mortal Kombat game was worth playing for me. Chucking the 3D gameplay that strayed so far from what made the series great at it's inception, NetherRealm went all nostalgia on us and FREAKING NAILED IT. But it's not just nostalgia running the show here. The game includes a real story mode that is the most entertaining in any one on one fighting game I've ever played. I've sunk 11 hours in this game and still haven't finished the story. If you've ever been a fan of the series, you'll find the newest iteration well worth your money.
#4: Uncharted 3 (PS3)
Uncharted 3 was equal parts frustrating, equal parts mesmerizing in my experience. Game controls were frustrating in many parts, from inadvertently jumping to my death many times, to everyone's favorite thing, instant fail sequences. But the parts where it fell short were minimal compared to the fantastic visuals and engaging story, which is why despite my frustration, Uncharted 3 reaches my top 5.
#3: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
(Xbox 360)It just couldn't live completely up to the hype for me. Add in a month period where the game was unplayable due to an elemental bug introduced after a patch, and Skyrim fell out of the GOTY perch for me. However, this is still an outstanding game. I've barely scratched the surface in my 16 hours of play, and love this fact. This is of course a detriment to several high quality games sitting on my shelf, some of which I've not even touched, but they'll get their due. Eventually.
#2: Gears of War 3 (Xbox 360)
The Gears trilogy finishes strong. Another great single player experience, and a lot more splattering grubs and glowies. Though I don't get the competitive multiplayer at all in this series, Horde 2.0 and the new Beast modes shine. The tower defense style in Horde 2.0 improves on an already addicting formula. And of course, the ability to play as the Locust in Beast mode is a neat new addition. In another year, this could have been the GOTY... but it's most certainly the shooter of the year!
Before I get to #1, here are some honorable mentions...
Honorable Mention: Forza Motorsport 4 (Xbox 360)
Everyone's favorite version of car porn probably would have made my list had I just had some more time to play it. Sadly, with only 3 hours played, I couldn't in good conscience put it into my top 5. That said, I've had a blast with what I've played of what is easily the most beautiful racing game on a console.
Honorable Mention: Shadows of the Damned
(Xbox 360)God of War like in it's gameplay, but a 3rd person shooter in reality. Throw in copious amounts of gore and bullet time sequences and you've got... well... what this game is. This is a really hard game to describe, and yet in the short time I played it (less than an hour) I was having a lot of fun. If you like shooters and want something different, you won't be disappointed.
Honorable Mention: Once Upon a Monster (Xbox 360)
Holy crap, a Kinect game made this list! But it's because it's an unbelievable experience if you also happen to have young children. I've played eight hours of this game with my son, and he's just loved it to death. I can't thank Double Fine enough for giving me my first gaming experience with my son and making it great.
And now, Veteran Gamer's Game of the Year is...
Game of the Year: Portal 2 (PS3)
I could wax poetic about this game. I devoured the single player in this game, leapt into the multiplayer via couch co-op with a friend, and was disappointed to finally reach the end. The puzzles were brilliant, the humor was some of the best ever in a video game, and the gameplay was near perfection. I'm not sure how Valve will deliver us a Portal 3 after the ending, but here's hoping they find a way, because a world without GladOS is a world I don't want to live in.
Thus closes my year in gaming for 2011. Can 2012 possibly top 2011 and even 2010 before it? Like last year, the games I didn't get to which certainly could have been contenders for my top five were numerous. A few that would certainly have been in the running were Batman Arkham City, Saint's Row the Third, Dark Souls, LA Noire, and certainly more. As with last year, thanks to everyone who's sticking with my tiny little blog. I hope to improve more for this year!
22 Şubat 2013 Cuma
Veteran Gamer's Top 5 Games of the Year
To contact us Click HERE
Back again! Sorry for the delay on this article, but hey, I'm only one man. And just as with last, year, the following disclaimer returns:
There's no way I can play all of the great games that were released this year. So this is purely my "Top 5 Games I played this year" list, with the system I played it on in parenthesis. The biggest caveat to this list that should be noted off the top. I only own the 360 and PS3. The Wii hasn't held my interest since launch, and I don't have a PC that is beefy enough to run anything worth playing.
Continuing last year's start, I present to you the game I just didn't get last year:
WTF Was This Game So Popular Game of the Year: Nobody!
Three cheers for the gaming industry and press! As I looked back at last year, there were NO critically acclaimed games released that I sat wondering why I was playing. Everything I played was worth playing, and I think that speaks to just how AWESOME a year 2011 was for gaming.
Most Disappointing Game of the Year: Battlefield 3
As awesome as Battlefield Bad Company 2 was last year, Battlefield 3 completely disappointed. Glitches galore ruin this iteration of 2010's best shooter. My crew and I still have issues with mics working properly and actually staying in our squads after joining games. EA shot high with its marketing and unfortunately DICE fell flat in delivery.
#5: Mortal Kombat (Xbox 360)
Surprise, surprise, surprise. For the first time in forever, a Mortal Kombat game was worth playing for me. Chucking the 3D gameplay that strayed so far from what made the series great at it's inception, NetherRealm went all nostalgia on us and FREAKING NAILED IT. But it's not just nostalgia running the show here. The game includes a real story mode that is the most entertaining in any one on one fighting game I've ever played. I've sunk 11 hours in this game and still haven't finished the story. If you've ever been a fan of the series, you'll find the newest iteration well worth your money.
#4: Uncharted 3 (PS3)
Uncharted 3 was equal parts frustrating, equal parts mesmerizing in my experience. Game controls were frustrating in many parts, from inadvertently jumping to my death many times, to everyone's favorite thing, instant fail sequences. But the parts where it fell short were minimal compared to the fantastic visuals and engaging story, which is why despite my frustration, Uncharted 3 reaches my top 5.
#3: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Xbox 360)
It just couldn't live completely up to the hype for me. Add in a month period where the game was unplayable due to an elemental bug introduced after a patch, and Skyrim fell out of the GOTY perch for me. However, this is still an outstanding game. I've barely scratched the surface in my 16 hours of play, and love this fact. This is of course a detriment to several high quality games sitting on my shelf, some of which I've not even touched, but they'll get their due. Eventually.
#2: Gears of War 3 (Xbox 360)
The Gears trilogy finishes strong. Another great single player experience, and a lot more splattering grubs and glowies. Though I don't get the competitive multiplayer at all in this series, Horde 2.0 and the new Beast modes shine. The tower defense style in Horde 2.0 improves on an already addicting formula. And of course, the ability to play as the Locust in Beast mode is a neat new addition. In another year, this could have been the GOTY... but it's most certainly the shooter of the year!
Before I get to #1, here are some honorable mentions...
Honorable Mention: Forza Motorsport 4 (Xbox 360)
Everyone's favorite version of car porn probably would have made my list had I just had some more time to play it. Sadly, with only 3 hours played, I couldn't in good conscience put it into my top 5. That said, I've had a blast with what I've played of what is easily the most beautiful racing game on a console.
Honorable Mention: Shadows of the Damned (Xbox 360)
God of War like in it's gameplay, but a 3rd person shooter in reality. Throw in copious amounts of gore and bullet time sequences and you've got... well... what this game is. This is a really hard game to describe, and yet in the short time I played it (less than an hour) I was having a lot of fun. If you like shooters and want something different, you won't be disappointed.
Honorable Mention: Once Upon a Monster (Xbox 360)
Holy crap, a Kinect game made this list! But it's because it's an unbelievable experience if you also happen to have young children. I've played eight hours of this game with my son, and he's just loved it to death. I can't thank Double Fine enough for giving me my first gaming experience with my son and making it great.
And now, Veteran Gamer's Game of the Year is...
Game of the Year: Portal 2 (PS3)
I could wax poetic about this game. I devoured the single player in this game, leapt into the multiplayer via couch co-op with a friend, and was disappointed to finally reach the end. The puzzles were brilliant, the humor was some of the best ever in a video game, and the gameplay was near perfection. I'm not sure how Valve will deliver us a Portal 3 after the ending, but here's hoping they find a way, because a world without GladOS is a world I don't want to live in.
Thus closes my year in gaming for 2011. Can 2012 possibly top 2011 and even 2010 before it? Like last year, the games I didn't get to which certainly could have been contenders for my top five were numerous. A few that would certainly have been in the running were Batman Arkham City, Saint's Row the Third, Dark Souls, LA Noire, and certainly more. As with last year, thanks to everyone who's sticking with my tiny little blog. I hope to improve more for this year!
Back again! Sorry for the delay on this article, but hey, I'm only one man. And just as with last, year, the following disclaimer returns:
There's no way I can play all of the great games that were released this year. So this is purely my "Top 5 Games I played this year" list, with the system I played it on in parenthesis. The biggest caveat to this list that should be noted off the top. I only own the 360 and PS3. The Wii hasn't held my interest since launch, and I don't have a PC that is beefy enough to run anything worth playing.
Continuing last year's start, I present to you the game I just didn't get last year:
WTF Was This Game So Popular Game of the Year: Nobody!
Three cheers for the gaming industry and press! As I looked back at last year, there were NO critically acclaimed games released that I sat wondering why I was playing. Everything I played was worth playing, and I think that speaks to just how AWESOME a year 2011 was for gaming.
Most Disappointing Game of the Year: Battlefield 3
As awesome as Battlefield Bad Company 2 was last year, Battlefield 3 completely disappointed. Glitches galore ruin this iteration of 2010's best shooter. My crew and I still have issues with mics working properly and actually staying in our squads after joining games. EA shot high with its marketing and unfortunately DICE fell flat in delivery.
#5: Mortal Kombat (Xbox 360)
Surprise, surprise, surprise. For the first time in forever, a Mortal Kombat game was worth playing for me. Chucking the 3D gameplay that strayed so far from what made the series great at it's inception, NetherRealm went all nostalgia on us and FREAKING NAILED IT. But it's not just nostalgia running the show here. The game includes a real story mode that is the most entertaining in any one on one fighting game I've ever played. I've sunk 11 hours in this game and still haven't finished the story. If you've ever been a fan of the series, you'll find the newest iteration well worth your money.
#4: Uncharted 3 (PS3)
Uncharted 3 was equal parts frustrating, equal parts mesmerizing in my experience. Game controls were frustrating in many parts, from inadvertently jumping to my death many times, to everyone's favorite thing, instant fail sequences. But the parts where it fell short were minimal compared to the fantastic visuals and engaging story, which is why despite my frustration, Uncharted 3 reaches my top 5.
#3: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
(Xbox 360)It just couldn't live completely up to the hype for me. Add in a month period where the game was unplayable due to an elemental bug introduced after a patch, and Skyrim fell out of the GOTY perch for me. However, this is still an outstanding game. I've barely scratched the surface in my 16 hours of play, and love this fact. This is of course a detriment to several high quality games sitting on my shelf, some of which I've not even touched, but they'll get their due. Eventually.
#2: Gears of War 3 (Xbox 360)
The Gears trilogy finishes strong. Another great single player experience, and a lot more splattering grubs and glowies. Though I don't get the competitive multiplayer at all in this series, Horde 2.0 and the new Beast modes shine. The tower defense style in Horde 2.0 improves on an already addicting formula. And of course, the ability to play as the Locust in Beast mode is a neat new addition. In another year, this could have been the GOTY... but it's most certainly the shooter of the year!
Before I get to #1, here are some honorable mentions...
Honorable Mention: Forza Motorsport 4 (Xbox 360)
Everyone's favorite version of car porn probably would have made my list had I just had some more time to play it. Sadly, with only 3 hours played, I couldn't in good conscience put it into my top 5. That said, I've had a blast with what I've played of what is easily the most beautiful racing game on a console.
Honorable Mention: Shadows of the Damned
(Xbox 360)God of War like in it's gameplay, but a 3rd person shooter in reality. Throw in copious amounts of gore and bullet time sequences and you've got... well... what this game is. This is a really hard game to describe, and yet in the short time I played it (less than an hour) I was having a lot of fun. If you like shooters and want something different, you won't be disappointed.
Honorable Mention: Once Upon a Monster (Xbox 360)
Holy crap, a Kinect game made this list! But it's because it's an unbelievable experience if you also happen to have young children. I've played eight hours of this game with my son, and he's just loved it to death. I can't thank Double Fine enough for giving me my first gaming experience with my son and making it great.
And now, Veteran Gamer's Game of the Year is...
Game of the Year: Portal 2 (PS3)
I could wax poetic about this game. I devoured the single player in this game, leapt into the multiplayer via couch co-op with a friend, and was disappointed to finally reach the end. The puzzles were brilliant, the humor was some of the best ever in a video game, and the gameplay was near perfection. I'm not sure how Valve will deliver us a Portal 3 after the ending, but here's hoping they find a way, because a world without GladOS is a world I don't want to live in.
Thus closes my year in gaming for 2011. Can 2012 possibly top 2011 and even 2010 before it? Like last year, the games I didn't get to which certainly could have been contenders for my top five were numerous. A few that would certainly have been in the running were Batman Arkham City, Saint's Row the Third, Dark Souls, LA Noire, and certainly more. As with last year, thanks to everyone who's sticking with my tiny little blog. I hope to improve more for this year!
Life's Apptastic!
To contact us Click HERE
Are you getting an iPhone for Christmas? Or maybe sometime later? Do you want some "pay for apps"? Well then, check out this website we recently came across!
Now we all know apps become free once in a while as promotions. What the website basically does, is tells you when an app becomes free. This website also tells/shows you, original price, pictures of content, and links. Best of all, this premium service is free! Now while this isn't a game, we believe it still deserves a rating, so here it is!
The Three States rating; 8/10
This may just become your #1 online website! Either that, or the website we mentioned above...
Now we all know apps become free once in a while as promotions. What the website basically does, is tells you when an app becomes free. This website also tells/shows you, original price, pictures of content, and links. Best of all, this premium service is free! Now while this isn't a game, we believe it still deserves a rating, so here it is!
The Three States rating; 8/10
This may just become your #1 online website! Either that, or the website we mentioned above...
LISTEN: Episode #9 of RetroFlickFillet - It's a little (people) world afterall!
To contact us Click HERE
Yep, the episode where we finally cross the line and GO THERE! What better episode than this one to feature Jeff Martin from BETTERGEEKTHANNEVER website & blog to join in on the fun with!
Get the scoop on our thoughts on Child's Play, Leprechaun, & Willow from the twisted minds of Doug, Mike & Special guest co-host Jeff!!!
This episode is SUPER-SIZED, coming in at just about 2 hours, plus a bonus 30 minutes after the show's outro!
CAN YOU HANDLE IT?
LISTEN HERE:http://tiny.cc/x2kv9
Get the scoop on our thoughts on Child's Play, Leprechaun, & Willow from the twisted minds of Doug, Mike & Special guest co-host Jeff!!!
This episode is SUPER-SIZED, coming in at just about 2 hours, plus a bonus 30 minutes after the show's outro!
CAN YOU HANDLE IT?
LISTEN HERE:http://tiny.cc/x2kv9
Wibiya's New Toolbar Design
To contact us Click HERE
As you may have noticed, Wibiya redesigned their toolbar. As you can see it looks completely different, not just for you but for every visitor. Depending on where you arrive to my site from the toolbar will be different. For example, if you come to my site from Facebook then the toolbar will show your friends and the Facebook like button. The same if someone were to visit from Google+ then you'd see the G+ button instead. The only real way to fully explain how the new toolbar works is to try it for yourselves. If you enter my site from different locations you will see what I am trying to explain.
In my opinion, the new design looks pretty good. The first time I updated it I was confused thou. I didn't know how to edit it nor how it worked but now I understand it better. So if you have a blog/website then I recommend you upgrade and be patient with the options.
In my opinion, the new design looks pretty good. The first time I updated it I was confused thou. I didn't know how to edit it nor how it worked but now I understand it better. So if you have a blog/website then I recommend you upgrade and be patient with the options.
Milano's
To contact us Click HERE
Milano's is a pasta and pizza restaurant I tried out the other day. I got an extra large bacon pepperoni pizza. It wasn't the best pizza I've had but it was delicious. I nearly ate the entire pie by myself. As soon as you walk into the restaurant you see a couch with a table full of magazines. Not the usual setting for a pizza place but it was a comfy couch. I wouldn't mind going back for another pie if I had the chance.
21 Şubat 2013 Perşembe
Life's Apptastic!
To contact us Click HERE
Are you getting an iPhone for Christmas? Or maybe sometime later? Do you want some "pay for apps"? Well then, check out this website we recently came across!
Now we all know apps become free once in a while as promotions. What the website basically does, is tells you when an app becomes free. This website also tells/shows you, original price, pictures of content, and links. Best of all, this premium service is free! Now while this isn't a game, we believe it still deserves a rating, so here it is!
The Three States rating; 8/10
This may just become your #1 online website! Either that, or the website we mentioned above...
Now we all know apps become free once in a while as promotions. What the website basically does, is tells you when an app becomes free. This website also tells/shows you, original price, pictures of content, and links. Best of all, this premium service is free! Now while this isn't a game, we believe it still deserves a rating, so here it is!
The Three States rating; 8/10
This may just become your #1 online website! Either that, or the website we mentioned above...
LISTEN: Episode #9 of RetroFlickFillet - It's a little (people) world afterall!
To contact us Click HERE
Yep, the episode where we finally cross the line and GO THERE! What better episode than this one to feature Jeff Martin from BETTERGEEKTHANNEVER website & blog to join in on the fun with!
Get the scoop on our thoughts on Child's Play, Leprechaun, & Willow from the twisted minds of Doug, Mike & Special guest co-host Jeff!!!
This episode is SUPER-SIZED, coming in at just about 2 hours, plus a bonus 30 minutes after the show's outro!
CAN YOU HANDLE IT?
LISTEN HERE:http://tiny.cc/x2kv9
Get the scoop on our thoughts on Child's Play, Leprechaun, & Willow from the twisted minds of Doug, Mike & Special guest co-host Jeff!!!
This episode is SUPER-SIZED, coming in at just about 2 hours, plus a bonus 30 minutes after the show's outro!
CAN YOU HANDLE IT?
LISTEN HERE:http://tiny.cc/x2kv9
Wibiya's New Toolbar Design
To contact us Click HERE
As you may have noticed, Wibiya redesigned their toolbar. As you can see it looks completely different, not just for you but for every visitor. Depending on where you arrive to my site from the toolbar will be different. For example, if you come to my site from Facebook then the toolbar will show your friends and the Facebook like button. The same if someone were to visit from Google+ then you'd see the G+ button instead. The only real way to fully explain how the new toolbar works is to try it for yourselves. If you enter my site from different locations you will see what I am trying to explain.
In my opinion, the new design looks pretty good. The first time I updated it I was confused thou. I didn't know how to edit it nor how it worked but now I understand it better. So if you have a blog/website then I recommend you upgrade and be patient with the options.
In my opinion, the new design looks pretty good. The first time I updated it I was confused thou. I didn't know how to edit it nor how it worked but now I understand it better. So if you have a blog/website then I recommend you upgrade and be patient with the options.
Milano's
To contact us Click HERE
Milano's is a pasta and pizza restaurant I tried out the other day. I got an extra large bacon pepperoni pizza. It wasn't the best pizza I've had but it was delicious. I nearly ate the entire pie by myself. As soon as you walk into the restaurant you see a couch with a table full of magazines. Not the usual setting for a pizza place but it was a comfy couch. I wouldn't mind going back for another pie if I had the chance.
20 Şubat 2013 Çarşamba
This horse keeps running
To contact us Click HERE
So as I suggested we're going to primarily try to blame the supplier; who happens to be Romanian which no doubt will please certain political parties. Oh, but of course there's more to it than that. We can't just accept some blunder along the supply chain; hell we can't even seem to accept a bit of dodginess; nope we're going for full-out Criminal Conspiracy no doubt undertaken by criminal masterminds. So hey no-one at our end to blame, it must have been a highly complex laid out scheme... yeah.
In fact, and don't laugh, the system apparently works. Yep the ability to trace the meat to the Romanian supplier can be read as the system doing what it's supposed to. A delightfully bureaucratic response in that they don't really care what's being transported or what's going to be done with it provided it has the right stamps so blame can be apportioned correctly. Except it didn't.
Traceability goes down to the animal. So horse and cow go in; horse and cow come out. Somewhere at this point tracing stopped. So how does this break down legally? Ouchy.
The products themselves were mislabelled which is a breach of both member state and EU legislation. Except the mis-labelling was performed in all honesty; the packagers really thought it was beef. What can be held against the suppliers? "Which ones?" is the question. What appears to have have happened is that somewhere along this very long chain of 'pass the meat product' a batch of horse was labelled as cow. At the very least we have neglect; potentially fraud.
Tearing away from the blame game the important question is "Is it safe?" and that's difficult to answer. If the original slaughterhouse purchased the horses correctly it can be considered safe; there's nothing intrinsically wrong with eating horse meat. This becomes a simple case of mis-labelling, as I've said, from either neglect or fraud. However if the slaughterhouse picked up the horses 'on-the-side' to add to beef; there's no telling what they might have contained.
Hopefully this is all a mess rather than the sort of conspiracy which some might think would make this more 'exciting'. As fallout I see tests being conducted by the end-packagers probably voluntarily (as they've no desire to let the FSA etc. stick their noses in any more than they need to already) and perhaps an examination of why this all took so long to trace - exactly why does meat need to pass through so many hands before it ends up for sale?
Rightly or wrongly Romania will end up holding the unpleasant end of the stick as some will no doubt use this news to further their own political agenda. What needs to be looked at is the possibility this could happen in any country where they have slaughterhouses that, quite legally, process both animals; in this instance I think Romania just happened to get 'caught-out' first.
In fact, and don't laugh, the system apparently works. Yep the ability to trace the meat to the Romanian supplier can be read as the system doing what it's supposed to. A delightfully bureaucratic response in that they don't really care what's being transported or what's going to be done with it provided it has the right stamps so blame can be apportioned correctly. Except it didn't.
Traceability goes down to the animal. So horse and cow go in; horse and cow come out. Somewhere at this point tracing stopped. So how does this break down legally? Ouchy.
The products themselves were mislabelled which is a breach of both member state and EU legislation. Except the mis-labelling was performed in all honesty; the packagers really thought it was beef. What can be held against the suppliers? "Which ones?" is the question. What appears to have have happened is that somewhere along this very long chain of 'pass the meat product' a batch of horse was labelled as cow. At the very least we have neglect; potentially fraud.
Tearing away from the blame game the important question is "Is it safe?" and that's difficult to answer. If the original slaughterhouse purchased the horses correctly it can be considered safe; there's nothing intrinsically wrong with eating horse meat. This becomes a simple case of mis-labelling, as I've said, from either neglect or fraud. However if the slaughterhouse picked up the horses 'on-the-side' to add to beef; there's no telling what they might have contained.
Hopefully this is all a mess rather than the sort of conspiracy which some might think would make this more 'exciting'. As fallout I see tests being conducted by the end-packagers probably voluntarily (as they've no desire to let the FSA etc. stick their noses in any more than they need to already) and perhaps an examination of why this all took so long to trace - exactly why does meat need to pass through so many hands before it ends up for sale?
Rightly or wrongly Romania will end up holding the unpleasant end of the stick as some will no doubt use this news to further their own political agenda. What needs to be looked at is the possibility this could happen in any country where they have slaughterhouses that, quite legally, process both animals; in this instance I think Romania just happened to get 'caught-out' first.
Still beating that dead horse
To contact us Click HERE
And don't the elitists just crawl out of the woodwork; how many seem to be popping up with thinly veiled comments that people who buy the cheap meat pretty much deserve what happened. The most hilarious was a small inside editorial/opinion piece in last week's "i" paper. According to the author we're all really only upset about this because it's horse meat; he then goes down the route of 'if dogs were as big as cows and cows were the size of digs we'd be tucking into dog and walking cows around on leads'.
Nothing to do with co-opting animal behavioural traits or shifts in food patterns; forget we used to eat all sorts of meat until the less trainable/useful animals became mass-bred; nope it's all to do with size and our obvious proletariat consciences. I'm not saying that hasn't played a big factor in the current scandal, but wow. According to that logic we don't eat chickens, or pigs; pheasant is also out as they're too small. Also that historically we've never eaten guinea pigs or song-birds in this country.
Better yet he then quotes, and agrees with, his vegan father that "meat is pretty bland" anyway and boy does that explain a lot. Beyond the obvious query of exactly where he's buying his meat and how he's cooking it this is the "meat is meat" grouping. Eat cow but not horse, but meat is meat; eat pig, but not dog, but meat is meat; eat chicken, but not human...
So the double whammy of hey why get concerned over eating horse when you're happy to eat cow (meat is meat) particularly when other countries and people (i.e. not insular Brit-abroad types like you, but open-minded people like me) are happy to eat it.
Because the proles don't' really care about things like health and safety they're more concerned with price and their own petty insular mores.
Nothing to do with co-opting animal behavioural traits or shifts in food patterns; forget we used to eat all sorts of meat until the less trainable/useful animals became mass-bred; nope it's all to do with size and our obvious proletariat consciences. I'm not saying that hasn't played a big factor in the current scandal, but wow. According to that logic we don't eat chickens, or pigs; pheasant is also out as they're too small. Also that historically we've never eaten guinea pigs or song-birds in this country.
Better yet he then quotes, and agrees with, his vegan father that "meat is pretty bland" anyway and boy does that explain a lot. Beyond the obvious query of exactly where he's buying his meat and how he's cooking it this is the "meat is meat" grouping. Eat cow but not horse, but meat is meat; eat pig, but not dog, but meat is meat; eat chicken, but not human...
So the double whammy of hey why get concerned over eating horse when you're happy to eat cow (meat is meat) particularly when other countries and people (i.e. not insular Brit-abroad types like you, but open-minded people like me) are happy to eat it.
Because the proles don't' really care about things like health and safety they're more concerned with price and their own petty insular mores.
LISTEN: Episode #9 of RetroFlickFillet - It's a little (people) world afterall!
To contact us Click HERE
Yep, the episode where we finally cross the line and GO THERE! What better episode than this one to feature Jeff Martin from BETTERGEEKTHANNEVER website & blog to join in on the fun with!
Get the scoop on our thoughts on Child's Play, Leprechaun, & Willow from the twisted minds of Doug, Mike & Special guest co-host Jeff!!!
This episode is SUPER-SIZED, coming in at just about 2 hours, plus a bonus 30 minutes after the show's outro!
CAN YOU HANDLE IT?
LISTEN HERE:http://tiny.cc/x2kv9
Get the scoop on our thoughts on Child's Play, Leprechaun, & Willow from the twisted minds of Doug, Mike & Special guest co-host Jeff!!!
This episode is SUPER-SIZED, coming in at just about 2 hours, plus a bonus 30 minutes after the show's outro!
CAN YOU HANDLE IT?
LISTEN HERE:http://tiny.cc/x2kv9
Wibiya's New Toolbar Design
To contact us Click HERE
As you may have noticed, Wibiya redesigned their toolbar. As you can see it looks completely different, not just for you but for every visitor. Depending on where you arrive to my site from the toolbar will be different. For example, if you come to my site from Facebook then the toolbar will show your friends and the Facebook like button. The same if someone were to visit from Google+ then you'd see the G+ button instead. The only real way to fully explain how the new toolbar works is to try it for yourselves. If you enter my site from different locations you will see what I am trying to explain.
In my opinion, the new design looks pretty good. The first time I updated it I was confused thou. I didn't know how to edit it nor how it worked but now I understand it better. So if you have a blog/website then I recommend you upgrade and be patient with the options.
In my opinion, the new design looks pretty good. The first time I updated it I was confused thou. I didn't know how to edit it nor how it worked but now I understand it better. So if you have a blog/website then I recommend you upgrade and be patient with the options.
Kaydol:
Yorumlar (Atom)