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T-Hybrid

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Blog Entries posted by T-Hybrid

  1. T-Hybrid
    This is a dual topic today. First off, I was going to discuss the new Wii game: "No More Heroes". It's rated M, so I have to keep talks fairly limited. In fact I'm always sorta fuzzy on what kind of discussion is allowed. Basically, the game is awesome. It's also quite violent (with some swearing...or lots I guess). The title for today's entry comes from one of the main characters Devil Modes (I think that's what they're called). He's got different ones, each with it's own advantages. This specific ones lets him move lightening fast and gives one hit finishes. His hair turns blonde (which I'm thinking is a DBZ reference...as he's also an anime fan) when he goes into this mode, and he actually does yell "Strawberry on the shortcake!" Which makes it all the more entertaining.
     
    Get your parents permission before buying. Though I guess it doesn't matter since the rating is what it is. The game is fun, and is a welcome addition to my surprisingly limited collection (can you believe it's been a year and I've only got 6 games for the Wii?)
     
    On the other hand, Strawberry Shortcake is my all-time favorite desert (followed closely by cheesecake, mmmm). I don't think I've actually had it in years, as it was something my mom would make and I haven't lived there in the last five years. Whipped cream, that strawberry surgery mixture thing, and the shortcake. I should take my shot at making some of that now that I've got a place of my own.
     
    Playing this game has gotten me in the mood for some fancy deserts. Hopefully I didn't make you hungry as well.
  2. T-Hybrid

    1-18-08

    By T-Hybrid,

    Got out and saw Cloverfield yesterday. It was a very entertaining movie, with a good story, characters, and one heck of a monster. But my enjoyment of the film was hindered by the overly abundant use of shaky cam. See, the whole movie is shot from one person's handheld camera...similar to the amatuer style of Blair Witch. So while the chaos unfolds on screen, I (as well as other moviegoers) were holding back their lunch. I had originally planned to get something to eat prior to going, and I sincerely believe had I don so I would've lost it right there in the theater. So take that warning seriously...it's not easy on the stomach.
     
    The movie itself, story and whatnot, is a blast. From the moment the attack starts to the end of the movie, you're left on the edge of your seat wondering just what's going on and what caused it all. There are answers hidden amongst the movie, and yes you do see the monster several times in more than just flashes.
     
    I highly recommend it, but make sure to bring some Dramamine.
  3. T-Hybrid

    A Frightening Discovery

    By T-Hybrid,

    Let it be known that on this day, I have discovered the center of the universe.
     
    It happened while watching CSI this evening at 7:34pm. A commerical came on for Jumper, which I had considered going to up until this point. During the trailer, the main character drops into a couch and turns on a TV. Suddenly a commerical begins to air for HP and Windows, with the main character teleporting randomly in and out of the shot. Then at the end of the HP commerical the main character teleports out and the original commericial finishes as though nothing ever happened.
     
    That's right, I have just seen a commericial take a commericial break.
     
    ...I'm scared too.
  4. T-Hybrid
    The current big sports story is the whole Roger Clemens steroid thing (it's splattered on most every major sports site so feel free to dig up details if your interested). But that story itself isn't the important one. What I find unusual is the recent developement in which Clemens recorded a phone converstation between him and his trainer.
     
    From what I've read in articles (and these are on reputable sights so I trust their research), New York and Texas state law only require permission from one of the parties involved before a conversation can be recorded.
     
    So here's what I is spinning through my head. How does that make sense? Of course there will always be one person who's okay with it...that's the person doing the recording. It's almost like saying that it's not considered theft if one of the parties involved agrees to the transaction. You'd think that'd be something they'd specify. But alas...
     
    But then, that lead to another fun little though. You know how when you call customer service there's usually a recording that says "For quality/training purposes this call may be monitored or recorded." Now, if they're playing that message, then obviously they consent to the call being recorded. And if I stay on the phone, then by law I've agreed that I'm alright with it as well. So then, if both parties are okay...could I make my own recording without specifically asking permission?
     
    Is there a lawyer in the house?
  5. T-Hybrid

    Feel The Burn

    By T-Hybrid,

    I didn't resolve to do anything this year, but a coworker has convinced me to start going to the local community center after work. I'm not fat, and I don't get winded on stairs...but as you can probably guess I live a pretty stationary lifestyle. I've tried in the past to do some working out, but it's never stuck.
     
    The idea behind having at least two people is they'll each keep the other motivated, and since I know nothing about what makes a good workout, he's able to give me tips and make sure I'm doing the exercises right. The downside....OW! Since I'm just starting out, my muscles aren't used to the weights. I'm not overloading, but wowza. I lifted Friday and my left arm STILL can't straighten out. But I've been told it's nothing to worry about, so I'm not going to.
     
    Hopefully this will turn out well. I've been slimming down since I got off the campus meal plan (buffet style = bad), but I'm still sorta pudgy. I'm not going to hulk out or anything, I just want to get to a consistent healthy tone.
     
    If I start lifting cars over my head, I'll post photos.
  6. T-Hybrid

    I'm Back!

    By T-Hybrid,

    There was an Internet connection where I was staying while on vacation, but it was dial-up so I took the opportunity to take a break and did just that.
     
    Had a blast. Sat in a suite at Center Ice for a Colorado Avalanche game, and had great seats at Invesco Field (at Mile High Stadium) for Broncos/Vikings. Hopefully I'll have some pictures up at some point.
     
    X-mas haul wasn't too bad, got Transformers and Simpsons on DVD plus some money. Some desperately needed gloves and hat as well as a paper shredder and a crock pot. Got a slick toolkit as well, which will make my eventual evolution into a handyman all the more smoother. I'll be renewing my XBL subscription with the money I got, as will also be picking up The Orange Box and Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. There's also some Rock Band DLC that I've been meaning to download (most noteably The Police, CCR, and Weezer).
     
    Hope everybody else had a great holiday season. Now let's get 2008 started right!
  8. T-Hybrid

    Merry Christmas

    By T-Hybrid,

    I know not everybody celebrates it, but I do. So Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and all the other celebrations that come this time of year.
     
    I'm flying out for the holidays, and will be back in time for New Year's. Normally VGM would fill in for me at a point like this, but I gave him some vacation time. Though I have no idea what he'd do with it.
     
    Hope you have a great time over the next few weeks. Don't get too loaded up on holiday dinners, and try not to get bummed out if your team's don't win their various bowls.
  9. T-Hybrid

    Christmas Comes Early

    By T-Hybrid,

    Was out at Wal-Mart this morning to do some last minute shopping, stopped by the LEGO section out of habit and was surprised to see a small selection of Phantoka sets. I'm waiting till after the New Years to do any serious shopping, so I settled for Toa Ignika.
     
    It's a pretty cool set. The Toa looks good, though I'd rather he (it?) had a more colorful Kanohi (first Matoro and Nuparu get Silver Kanohi, and now Ignika...) The jet board is probably my second favorite out of the four extra-Toa pack-ins. Kikanalo of course being #1. I wish it had better landing gear, as right now it doesn't sit level unless you prop the back end up on something. But Ignika looks great riding on it.
     
    Haven't had a chance to play with the new launcher, but it feels solid, and I'm fairly sure it'll launch quite a ways. All in all, it's a good teaser for me and the 2008 sets. Once they're more readily available, and I've got a bit more cash, I'll start picking them up (Toa only for now).
     
    Now if only I could figure out what point there is for the little guys riding on the big guys...
  10. T-Hybrid
    The following is my prediction for 2008 based on the latest Ignition comic:
     

    » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «Matoro is Toa Ignika. The Ignika will create its own body using the energy Matoro passed through it. Whatever we've been told eariler is going to be techincally true. It's technically not Matoro reborn, it's Toa Ignika. But Matoro has become Toa Ignika. Or rather, will become Toa Ignika. And it's funny, since we were told for a while that the Toa destined to wear the Mask didn't have to neccesarilly be the same one destined to wear it. But go figure, we were right all along. That's why I'm sticking with this. Just you watch.
  11. T-Hybrid
    I bought Rock Band on November 20th. My guitar and drums began to fail within the first two days. I filled out the RMA forms and my boxes were sent. I packed them up, and by Friday both my new drums and new guitar had arrived in the mail.
     
    Now, my drum pads were what were faulty, but when the box came it included a slot specifically labeled as being for the kick pedal. My kick pedal wasn't faulty, but since I didn't want to screw around with and have delays (and since EA has no phone support available), I packed up the gear and sent it along.
     
    However...
     
    When they shipped me a new set of drums, they only provided me the pads and stand. There was no kick pedal included. So it's almost a month since I bought the game, and I haven't been able to play the drums. At all. To make matters worse, my email to EA customer support got the following response.
     

     
    That's it. No mention of a replacement, no apology for the confusion, just a "Well that was stupid...sucks to be you" and a link to the website I'm already using. I was on board with the whole process, even when it smelled fishy that all of this hardware was failing. But at this point EA has proven to me that they have no clue how to handle customer support. No phone numbers, no apologies...just treat me like a moron and move along.
     
    I want to return this game out of spite, but it's just so much fun.
  12. T-Hybrid

    Jumping The Gun?

    By T-Hybrid,

    I know I mentioned counting down till XMas, but don't you guys agree that it's a bit early to start showing all these XMas specials and playing round the clock holiday music?
     
    I mean, it was a few weeks before Thanksgiving and stores were already putting up their stock of holiday decorations. I know Black Friday's always been when it is (or at least has for as long as I can remember), but do we really need to back up the holiday season to early November? I know you really can't market thanksgiving when it comes to decorations and merchandise...but does that mean we need to rush the holiday season?
     
    My birthday's in November. Let's market that. People can go buy decorations and gifts for me to celebrate my awesomeness. I may be a bit biased, but I think it's a good idea.
  13. T-Hybrid
    Rule of thumb, no matter how long the loading screen is...or how long you've been waiting for a player to be found online, the phone will always ring the moment you're unable to pause.
     
    Always.
     
    Aside from that, really nothing new to offer. Torii Hunter isn't a Twin, but I'm over it...Johan Santana probably won't be one much longer, which I've accepted...and I probably shouldn't eat my dad's homemade chilli for lunch at work. That's really completely unrelated to the previous two, but still equally valid.
     
    I had a picture from the Check Mii Out Channel I wanted to post, but unfortunately Wii's aren't allowed to send pics to email accounts not attached to a Wii. It's too bad, it was pretty funny.
     
    Happy Monday everybody. May the countdown to X-Mas begin!
  14. T-Hybrid

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    By T-Hybrid,

    Hopefully you didn't stuff yourself too full of turkey and other goodness today. Enjoy the rest of the evening, and if you're one of those who will brave the holiday shoppers tomorrow, good luck.
     
    I suggest bringing a bat.
  15. T-Hybrid
    Today was payday, and with my birthday coming up I treated myself to a...treat.
     
    Gathered up a bunch of games I rarely play anymore (all my Dynasty Warriors games except 5, and the two LEGO Star Wars games....and all four Guitar Hero games), and went to Gamestop. Traded them in for a slick $150 bucks. Took that and picked up GHIII and Dynasty Warriors: Gundam (hereafter referred to as Gundam Warriors) for the Xbox360.
     
    "But Torhu," you're probably saying. "You don't have a 360."
     
    Well, that was the treat I was talking about.
     
    I have a gamer tag, but only GHIII can do anything with it. And that's only for the time being while I decide if I want to sign up for XBox Live Gold on a more longterm basis. For the time being, I'm more than open to start adding people who want to rock out for a month or so. I'm also looking for suggestions to fill the Online gaming portion of my life (something I'll slowly be delving into if I decide to go Gold).
  16. T-Hybrid
    Rock Band launches for the 360 on Tuesday. I'm not bad with a guitar, and I'm learning drums...but I don't want to know what'll happen if I step up to the mic. So I'm looking for fellow gamers who want to start getting together and playing through the Co-Op portions of the game. I won't have XBL until after the New Year (I'll be out of state for most of Decemeber so it'd be a waste), but when I get back I'm going to be ready to rock.
     
    Feel free to drop your Gamertag here if you're interested. I'm also taking suggestions for band names.
  18. T-Hybrid

    Fun With Plastic Money

    By T-Hybrid,

    For my birthday, I got a Best Buy gift card (of indeterminate value). I also recieved one for about $40 when I returned a game (I had opened it, and the only way they'd give me a refund was as store credit, I accepted). Then I got one for $20 from a friend as a thank you for watching their cats while they on a trip. So the other day I picked up Mario Galaxy from Toys R Us. Part of the deal is that I got a $25 gift card. So now I'm sitting on about $80 worth of gift cards. And that's without the one that I got that I'm not sure how much it is.
     
    This Saturday I'm taking my car in to have a remote starter installed. I live in Minnesota, and it can get cold. Considering the cost per month of a stall here, it's a better value for me to put the starter in. It'll be useful when I'm getting out of work in the evening, as well as when exiting restaurants, malls, and any other place where there could sometimes be a bit of a walk.
     
    I'm going to use the BB cards to pay off the cost of installation (I was supposed to use the first one towards the initial part, but I forgot it at home when I picked it up), and then the rest is fun money. The only hitch with all of it is that the TRU card is only valid until the end of the year. So I have to take a gamble that something I'm getting now isn't coming as a gift. Or I wait till after Christmas and track down something worth getting in 5 days.
     
    Thankfully I usually keep a handful of items off my list for just these types of situations. I have a number of movies, games, and other random items that I can pick up without throwing my gift list all outta whack. It's rough having a birthday and Christmas so close together, my sister has it worse though. Just under two weeks between her birthday and Christmas. Though she sometimes gets *big* gifts that count as both. Last year it was an iPod... So I guess it evens out.
  19. T-Hybrid

    Birthday!

    By T-Hybrid,

    23 now. Can't really tell the difference between 23 and 22. I was alotted a new monitor at work a while back, and of all days it arrived today. Had forgotten about it. Best of all, they let me keep the old one. So I'm running dual-monitors now. The one is huge. Perfect for coding on.
     
    I also got my flu shot. Hooray? I can't remember the last one I got, I figured I'd get one this year since I'm going to be in a busy environment with a lot of different people, so it'd probably be good. Though it leaves me a bit of a jam this year. See I've got like 3 sick days (and a personal holiday) and only four weeks to use them before I go on vacation till the end of the year.
     
    But that's not important today, because today is about cake and partying, and free stuff. But it's also about looking back at everything I've accomplished. It's funny to think that this time last year I still wasn't sure if I was going to graduate on time...or where I'd be working.
     
    Now things have come together. Who knows what the next year will bring!
  20. T-Hybrid
    Nintendo stole the thunder from my Fantasy Draft a few weeks back when they annouced King Dedede out from underneathe me. I promised that I wouldn't let it happen again, and today I keep that promise.
     


    T-Hybrid
    Franchise: Create-a-Character
    First Appearance: Dynasty Warriors 4 (as Torhu Xi)
    Why?: This is purely an ego move. And after all, it is a Fantasy Draft. So why not have some fun and think about what it would be like to have my own character in Smash Bros. Could I take on Mario? Stand up to Samus? Stare down Master Hand? I had thought about adding myself in the draft as a way to have fun with it. And it's my birthday tomorrow, so why not go a little crazy in the name of celebration?
    Appearance: What you see is what you get. I'm a pretty casual guy, and yes...I do own a jacket that looks like that. In fact, I've got two. At one point while in the dorms, somebody pointed out that my winter coat and summer jacket were essentially the same thing. Blue Adidas with the white stripes. As such, it sorta became my "look". It's not anything fancy, or flashy...just what I wear. And since my favorite color is blue, and the theme of the Haven is the Blue Vice, it fits in well.
    Moveset: It fed my ego enough to put myself in the game, but I'm going to refrain from making myself broken. Nobody likes cheap characters. And since T-Hybrid (or some variation of Torhu or Hybrid) is a name I use frequently both online and in games, why not make my Brawl version an amalgam of the various fandoms I belong to? Hsi standard attacks would be a string of combos similiar to a Dynasty Warriors character (I would be swinging a Great Sword, as is my usual weapon when I create a character in DW). Up+B would draw at the Kanohi Miru and lift him back to the platform. For Down+B, Hybrid would grab his guitar (it'd be from Guitar Hero of course) and strum a chord that would stun his opponents. A second strum while stunned would launch them back. Standard B would charge the Kamehameha from Dragonball fame. Side Smash attack would be a strong Throat Punch (in-joke, but he has to have it). Up and Down Smashes? I think just a standard uppercut for a pop-up, and then some kind of hard strike down for the down-smash. The taunt would be a brush of the hair and the little hand sign that Maes Hughes throws out in the Full Metal Alchemist opening.
    Final Smash: The theme at the Haven is Digimon (and the Blue Vice). So Hybrid's ultimate attack would involve calling forth ViceGreymon Code Blue and unleashing his Blue Heaven attack. Hybrid would perform an abbreviated Hyper-Evo (as seen in Digimon Frontier), which would bring his Digimon partner into battle. Then from the background, ViceGreymon would unleash the attack which would rain down from the top of the screen. It would be dodgable, since no Final Smash is a guaranteed hit, however it would be tough to do so.
     
    This is purely fantasy, but I thought it would be fun to take a break from existing sleeper hits and have a little fun in the name of vanity. Hopefully this inspiries you gamers out there to dream up a character of your own. I'd consider starting a spinoff of the Draft linking to other people's ideas if they start making them.
     
    Well, g'night. I'm going to get some sleep tonight so I can fully enjoy tomorrow. As a famous movie baddie once said: "Oh yes. There will be cake!"
     
    ...At least I think that's what he said.
  21. T-Hybrid
    With Brawl being pushed back, I'm left having to slow down a bit with the Fantasy Draft. I've got a handful of entries, enough to go for a few more months. Provided I slow it down to a new one every few weeks. But I like this choice, and I'm going with it today.
     


    Joanna Dark
    Franchise: Perfect Dark
    First Appearance: Perfect Dark (N64)
    Why?: Goldeneye brought the first-person shooter to console gamers when it burst onto the scene for the Nintendo64. However, it wasn't until Rare unveiled Perfect Dark later on in the life of the console that people truly came to understand what a console FPS was capable of. With it's intensive stat-tracking, various degrees of bots, and a multitude of bonus modes and weapons, Perfect Dark surpassed Goldeneye as the best FPS of it's generation. Perfect Dark showed that Rare could make something besides fetch-quests, and a sequel was long suspected to be coming until Rare was swooped up by Microsoft. I know I'm dreaming in this one, but Joanna Dark wasn't just a generic spy. She was a strong female lead that could get by with her gear and her brains.
    Appearance: You'll notice I used a picture of Joanna from her 64 days. Perfect Dark Zero (or Perfect Dark In Name Only), turned into a prequel, transforming Joanna into almost an anime styled shell of her former self. Her look on the 64 fit the futuristic spy motif far more than the khaki's a t-shirt look that she sported occasionally, not to mention her look in the 64 would be how Nintendo fans would best remember her.
    Moveset: With her assortment of spy-gear and combat skills, Joanna would come into the Brawl arena on a similiar level as Snake. Her Up + B recovery would summon Dr. Caroll to hover her back to the platform. She'd have grenades she could toss with the her down B attack. There's also her tranquilzer gun (which she could charge using her standard B attack). The higher the dosage, the more the enemy is recoiled/stunned. Her smash attacks would involve kung foo (with that fun swooshy noise her chops made ingame). Unfortunately it's tricky to make a moveset since she'd be under the same rules as Snake, which would mean no guns. This leaves me worried her best moveset may end up being very similar to Snake's.
    Final Smash: There'd be nothing more fun than for Joanna to call down a Mayan invasion with the help of her buddy Elvis. I can picture the spaceship swooping in and firing charged laser blasts from above as Joanna struck her enemies from the ground. Not to mention Elvis was one of the more interesting partners in a shooter.
     
    Joanna Dark is about as likely to make it into Brawl as I am. But that's just what the Fantasy Draft is all about.
  22. T-Hybrid
    Okay, since the annoucement regarding the identities of the '08 sets, there's been a lot of confusion about what to call them. Well, in an attempt to battle this confusion...I've drawn a diagram.
     

    » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... « If you see anybody starting to get confused as to who is what and which set is which, please feel free to direct them to this image. It's for the betterment of all BZP.
  23. T-Hybrid
    I got a friendly reminder that plans are already under way for Brickfair in 2008. And I did say that I would take an opportunity to make it out there at some point following graduation.
     
    With a year's notice. I can start getting plans together with enough time to make sure I can afford it all. $95/night for the hotel? Wowza. Not sure what all expenses are involved aside from airfair and accomodations, but it's definately something I need to do.
     
    Thanks for the reminder! I'll keep y'all up to date as I start to get things together for next August. If my first four months at work are any indication...time's going to fly by.
  24. T-Hybrid
    So I was paging through MSN.com last night, and saw an article about the Scorpio (my astrological sign). I started reading it, and it seemed to be going well...
     

    That describes me pretty well. I stay loyal to my friends, but if you burn me I sometimes take it too personally. And as you've sometimes seen here I can be quite vocal in my defense of a certain point of view...or a voice for those that sometimes feel like they've been wronged.
     
    Things get a bit hazy though once it starts talking about money...
     

    I have a tight budget, which I track constantly. However, I sometimes splurge and buy things even when the voice in the back of my head says I shouldn't. Major purchases (video games, large toys, electroncis) tend to give me pause and lead me to agonize for a few days prior to making a decision. It's during this period where if I happen upon the same situation, I may cave and make the purchase against my better judgement. I never suffer buyer's remorse...but I sometimes get disappointed in myself for not having a better resolve.
     
    It's when we get into the "quick notes" that I start to question this article however.
     

    Actually I quite rather prefer blue. I liked red for a short time when I was a kid, but since about junior high it's been blue. My car's blue, my jacket's blue, it's all blue. Red's too flashy. I like the laid back feel of blue.
     
    Then there's this gem...
     

    Wait...wait. Go back there for a sec. My ruling planet is Pluto? This article was posted on Monday (two days ago). If you need a refresher, here's a piece of news from more than a year ago.. Yeah, my ruling planet's apparently been on hiatus for the past year. No wonder things are a little outta whack right now.
     
    So I guess until either Pluto becomes a planet again, or they decide to hire on a replacement, I'm a Scorpio adrift. Wonder if Jupiter's got any openings...
  25. T-Hybrid

    Bouncer, Fighter, Gamer

    By T-Hybrid,

    T-Hybrid is currently taking care of his benefits package, and other growed-up things. In his place, he has again requested the assistance of his guest writer.
     
    Good evening boys and girls, VGM here bringing you the latest updates from the world of Bouncin'. I have to say that it's been a bit frantic this week, with T-Boss gettin his submissions organized in the Master of Bionicle 2 contest (he tried askin me for help but I wouldn't give it, he's on his own!). I do like his ideas so far, only hope Greg sees things the same way. He's admitted to me that even after the two qusetions he's already got a good feeling for what it's like having to make the big decisions. I can't wait till he gets a question about new characters. He's been lookin for an excuse to get Khultak and Rangi into the official storyline for years!
     
    What have I been doin? A lil Guitar Hero there and some DDR there. T invested some of the leftover patio funds to gettin me a custom built guitar controller. And the dance pad is HUGE! So if you're ever in the Twin Cities area and start feeling a termor here or there odds are that's me tryin to clear some of the touger songs. And watch out if I start rockin out too hard during Jessica or Freebird, because I'll really get into it! And the last time I cleared a tough song I launched off a Blue Heaven in celebration. By complete accident. Neighbors weren't too happy, but they weren't home at the time so they shouldn't be complaining. Now the people in the apartments BEHIND us may have a few words, if they ever land.
     
    T and I are gettin pumped for GHIII. Only 6 days away for now. In the meantime we're gonna be rootin for those Rockies in the World Series! So until you hear from me again GO COLOARDO!
     

    ROCKTOBER!
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