Scribbling and Scrutiny

Fission Impossible

2008-04-21T14:46:00.004-04:00

It was an appealing offer, no matter how one looked at it; Just pluck down $5 for Metal Gear Solid 4, the most anticipated title for anyone even thinking about getting a PS3, and have access to a two week Beta of its online component, Metal Gear Online.Having only a PS2 at the time and a PC not nearly powerful enough to run Steam, the first Metal Gear Online, included with MGS3 Subsistence, was

Hot FES

2008-04-04T23:11:00.002-04:00

What do you think? Better or worse than Monday's pun? Whether you were tickled pink or disgusted beyond belief, the pun works for this week's hottest acquisition. For the first time since I accepted the position, the good editor at Primotech had just sent me my first review copy, along with a check to reimburse my previous purchase of God of War PSP. Enclosed is a final review copy of Persona 3:

Anime-zing Deal

2008-03-31T15:05:00.002-04:00

Yes, it's a terrible pun, but if it catches your attention, I can live with it.Effective yesterday, Best Buy has a pretty sweet deal on some select anime box sets. I took the plunge today and walked home with the Evangelion and Fullmetal Alchemist box sets.I'm positive there isn't an anime watcher on the planet who doesn't know about Evangelion, and the major influence it's had on both animation

It's Been 2 Months

2008-03-24T16:56:00.002-04:00

2 months since my last blog post. I suppose many of you thought I finally called it quits on this blog, which I honestly considered. I do have some legitimate reasons for the inactivity, but the longer I waited, the longer my return message had to be. But I also know that I would regret abandoning this blog, so I've decided to set aside everything and dedicate however much time I need to get

No Laughing Matter

2008-01-25T20:17:00.000-05:00

On the way to the nearest restroom at work today, there was a crowd of people gathered around one of the mounted televisions, watching the breaking news story of a Las Vegas hotel set ablaze, open mouthed and wide-eyed like (wait for it) moths drawn to a flame.Their silent expressions told more about their feelings than any open air comments; Was this the result of an accident, or arson (arson,

The One Free PC

2008-01-21T21:31:00.000-05:00

I don't keep up with the PC Times.I've used a PC extensively for years, far more than any other electronic device I've owned in my life (in fact, I might end up with more internet mileage than TV mileage, at this rate). Yet I never bothered to upgrade my system with new specs, parts, or anything else unless it was absolutely necessary. Some extra RAM here, a new hard drive there, and that would

The Dream Beyond The Clouds

2008-01-18T19:27:00.000-05:00

Ironically, the first complete short story I'm posting here is actually the last one I've worked on at this time. Well technically it isn't complete; I plan to make this story last for at least three chapters total, and hopefully not go beyond the word count for future publication oppurtunities.It's still a work in progress, and one that I'll continue tinkering, but in the meantime I hope you

A Primo Position

2008-01-14T18:57:00.000-05:00

Today I was going to show you the complete first chapter of a new short story I'm working on, but the perfectionist in me took a look over and decided there were still a few kinks to work out, so it'll have to wait until Friday (and no, I will not extend that promised date any further, may God strike me down). There's also a certain inconsistent plot point that I will need to address, but I have

Magic Over Marriage

2008-01-11T18:37:00.000-05:00

At first I was against the idea of posting a comment regarding the latest debacle regarding The Amazing Spider-Man's "Brand New Day" plotline, where Peter literally and inexplicably makes a deal with the Devil to sacrifice his marriage with Mary Jane in exchange for the resurrection of Aunt May.Now the space time continuim has been altered; Peter is now a swinging bachelor, his aunt is alive and

2008, The Year When....

2007-12-31T20:51:00.000-05:00

Robots will enslave the earth.As far as entertainment is concerned, 2008 will no doubt be a penultimate year where some fantastic movies (The Dark Knight, Wall E) and videogames (Metal Gear Solid 4, Super Smash Bros Brawl, and hopefully Final Fantasy XIII) will debut.As for me, the one thing in 2007 I am most thankful for is the wonderful job oppurtunity I was given in August, where I currently

The Swag

2007-12-28T23:24:00.000-05:00

Today I overslept, with less than thirty minutes before my work shift. I took a single minute laying in my bed, deciding whether toA) Make a mad dash downstairs, pack my dinner, run to my car and push 100 all the way to the interstate.B) Use my remaining sick time to take the day off, since it will automatically refresh next week.I chose the latter, and did not regret it. Made a trip to Best Buy,

Merry Something Something

2007-12-24T20:43:00.000-05:00

Christmas is tommorow? You wouldn't know it, living in Florida. It's pathetically hot outside for this time of year, with tommorow promising a "cooling off" with random daily showers. I'm also working right now, although I'm thankful for the lack of customer calls. I guess most people are sensible enough to stay at home with their loved ones, instead of calling me up and declare me a cocksucker

International Posterotica

2007-12-14T20:32:00.000-05:00

Taken from Aintitcool, here are two absolutely beautiful international posters from Batman: The Dark Knight.The more images and promotional material released, the less likely this film will be anything less but an absolute triumph, a technical blessing where both the noir genre and the comic book adaption genre will benefit from the radiance of its pale moonlight.There is no doubt this movie will

SOS: The 2nd Preview

2007-12-11T15:28:00.000-05:00

Here's another sneak peek of my story in progress. This will be the last preview until I finish the story.Sea of Sorrow: Chapter 2 PreviewI never noticed how quiet it is until now. I haven't heard a single noise since I've been here. Not the splashing of the waves or the wind blowing in the air. Then again, my ears as clogged with so much water, it's a wonder I can hear anything at all. I also

Christmas Comes Early

2007-12-07T19:52:00.000-05:00

If by early, you mean "Summer 2008".Batman.Anime.Bruce Timm.Oh My.

Misa-Misa's Supercon of Power Rangers, Test Pilots and Hugs

2007-12-03T14:51:00.000-05:00

This weekend, my sister and I attended the South Florida Anime Supercon, our fourth convention together. Naturally we were perfectly adjusted to the crowd of fans and freaks frollicking around in costumes of their favorite characters (or in the case of people like Man Faye, irony for irony's sake. And no, he wasn't there, God be praised) along with the treasure trove of merchandise that hungers

A Sneak Peek Long Overdue

2007-11-26T20:23:00.000-05:00

So I've become immersed in Final Fantasy XI again.... I am currently swamped with work... I've had a bit too much coffee.... I feel sleepy..... No. No more excuses this time. I promised a preview of my work, and I'm aiming to deliver this time, on time. No long winded introductions, self monologues or what have you. Here's a paragraph or two. Work in progress. Enjoy:

Great Excuse

2007-11-23T20:31:00.000-05:00

Hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving. I know I did. Enjoyed a breakfast of Eggs, Biscuits, Bacon and Cookies, then later on to a dinner of Turkey, Stuffing, Baked Potatos, and Ice Cream cake.After all that, the one thing I am most thankful for is that my bowels did not suffer the after-effects for such a feast.My father wasn't so lucky in that regard.As for the promised draft of my story, I

An Adaption With Balls

2007-11-17T01:12:00.001-05:00

By now you've probably read about the alleged confirmation that Fox is moving forward with a live adaption of Dragon Ball Z. I say "alleged" because we've been down this road before; As a highly popular anime series, DBZ has been cast, directed, composed, and tossed into post production by its fans for as long as the internet has been active in American culture.So that's why I can't help but take

Re-Greetings and Re-Welcomings

2007-11-13T13:51:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my new and improved blog, Scribbling and Scrutiny.New features include a name change. Worth the extra four week wait, no?Well aside from that, the layout and purpose of the blog remains the same. But now you can look forward to two entries a week rather than one, as well as a primary focus on quality over quantity. Well, I do plan on making shorter entries, but I can't promise that

Under Construction

2007-10-29T00:41:00.000-04:00

Greetings, everyone.In the next two weeks, I will be undergoing training for my new position at work, which has me coming to the office in the mornings. Afterwards, I will be fully integrated into my new afternoon shift, and hopefully into a more comfortable position at my company.So until that time, this blog will be put on hiatus. I wish I didn't feel guilty about taking a break, but having

What's In Your Wallet?

2007-10-08T14:52:00.000-04:00

My wallet must be pretty much empty at this point, based on the amount I've funded toward the Xbox 360. One person chided me when I was still indecisive toward purchasing the machine, stating that whenever he wants to buy a new system or videogame, he just does it.Simple. Except it isn't.I partly wanted to avoid this, as I would have remained content on my monetary ignorance, but here is the

The Current State of Things

2007-10-01T02:29:00.000-04:00

Sorry for missing last week's entry. It was actually vacation time for me, though I suppose I could have at least included a short entry reminding all of you about said vacation; Originally, I dismissed such an entry as a lazy excuse, although in hindsight skipping the week altogether may also be considered lazy. Two lazy's don't make an up-to-date blog.Part of it had to do with my scheduled

Not a Haiku

2007-09-17T01:02:00.001-04:00

Ever had one of those dreams, during the work week, where you're doing your job as you sleep, unable to satisfy your customers or your boss?They should pay us overtime for working in our dreams.Ever had one of those dreams, during the school week, where you're trying to get dressed, get your homework ready, and try to figure out the impossible exam in class?They should give us A's for studying in

Does the Box Rock my Socks?

2007-09-09T19:56:00.000-04:00

Greetings, readers.I realize I run the risk of alienating a small amount of readers by dedicating two weeks concerning my somewhat impulsive purchase of a videogame console that some of you might A) not care about, or B)have been an avid owner for the past two years.I even considered the notion of posting a series of daily entries concerning my impressions with the capabilities and features of

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Box

2007-09-02T23:45:00.000-04:00

So yes, I'm late once again with my entry, although I do have a legitimate excuse this time. Although considering how I promised to improve on getting these entries done on time, no excuse is justified.But hey, it's Labor Day weekend, so I'm sure most of you can cut me some slack. This Monday is the real Sunday...except for those of you who work.Like me.But don't cry for me, since I'll be paid

The Farmhouse: Part 2

2007-08-27T01:57:00.000-04:00

A little over a year later, I found myself driving back down the "trail, unimproved" in my jeep, with three five gallon jugs of gas in the backseat, a sheet of handwritten prayers tucked into my pocket, and my dog Baxter curled up near the jugs. Leaving with these things in hand, I told my mother the area where I was going to 'hike', and took off.