Top 5 Games and Movies of 2010

Being that the year is coming to a close, I thought I'd take a look back at the video games and movies that I enjoyed over the past year. When it came time to filming, I actually found myself quite sick. So instead of actually recording dialogue, I used the narrator program on my computer to speak for me. Much like the Nostalgia Critic's review of Alone In The Dark. It's not that I can't speak, but the way my voice is, my audio equipment wouldn't have picked it up. But the show must go on, so here's my top 5 games and movies of 2010. Enjoy.





For those of you who want to know what was being said in the Japanese commercial, here's a sum up (note - I don't actually know Japanese fluently, but I do know a few words - fortunately this commercial featured them.)
The suave boy asks the girl to come with him. When there alone he says he wants to ask her something; she says "what?" just then the little boy springs from the cardboard box. And says "I want you to join me" (or something to that effect)
The girl asks "me?"
But the little boy motions to the suave boy.
Suave boy, "me?"
Little boy nods. Then we see them both inside the cardboard box playing MGS:PW This commercial illustrates that the game is co-op by showing the two of them in the box, which is an aspect of the game itself, while still being hilarious like many Japanese commercials.

Like so many other critics and opinionated persons, Beanie has decided to put in his 2 cents and share his favorite movies and video games of 2010. When going to film, Beanie got ill, but was able to use a voice-over program to speak for him. So here's Beanie's Top 5.
Like the list? Disagree with it? Post a comment.

Alpha's Magical Christmas

It's Christmas Day and Beanie wants to review a Christmas Special from his childhood. Bundle up and sip your cocoa as he presents his very first full review episode. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

(edit) Despite what the date says, this was posted Dec 25th. BlipTV was being touchy and not wanting to work. And the run time is just under 30 minutes, not 3 hours. I don't know what BlipTV's problem is.

You can also view this episode on my youtube channel in 3 parts.
http://www.youtube.com/therandomninja5

Tron: Legacy

I feel a great sense of both pride and alienation because of where I fall in my generation. Growing up I was exposed to awesome old movies like TRON, Flash Gordon, Conan, and the like. I remember them all with a feeling of nostalgia. Compared to my peers I feel that my childhood was awesome. My dad was a Trekker and a member of the KISS Army. Because of him I was exposed to awesome Science Fiction not just from the 80s but from the start. One of my favorite TV shows is the original Star Trek series and my two favorite movies are Flash Gordon and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. This is just a roundabout way of saying I'm a geek and damn proud of it.
As for the alienation, it seems that there aren't many others in my age group with this same upbringing of Star Trek, D&D, comic books and video games. Most of my peers I've been around have no knowledge of the awesome 80s movies, and music I grew up with. (Which is why I make it my sworn duty to educate people) I feel like I'm in a generation gap some times. I hang around with people older than me, because I feel more akin to them, when I talk to people my age or younger and find out they have no idea what I'm talking about I have to face palm... but enough about me.

While the original Tron came out before I was born, I was exposed to it because of my dad. We had it on VHS tape, and I would watch it along with Star Trek, Flash Gordon, Heavy Metal, and Robo Jox. I loved Science Fiction, and when I heard they were making a sequel to Tron, I freaked. Finally!

My dad and sister joined me at the theater where we saw the movie in 3d. But first we sat through 30 solid minutes of trailers. I know people joke about trailers , but it was seriously 30 minutes. There was a group of 3+ minute long trailers then there was the "please put on your 3d glasses" screen, followed by another group of 3+ minute long trailers. And finally, the movie began with possibly the best opening logo for Disney ever.

The movie itself, while have a paper thin and (frankly) predictable story, had awesome effects, superb acting, and a pumping soundtrack fitting for the mood. Everything had an 80s feel, from the source music in certain scenes, and the hammy (yet not over the top) acting. In one scene, Sam Flynn (Kevin Flynn's son) turns on the power in the arcade from the first movie. As the lights blink on, the dozens of games come to life echoing with the familiar jingles and sounds. But that's not where my geekout began. In the opening scene we see the original Tron poster on Sam's wall. Boom. Right from the get-go I was exploding with nostalgia.
And of course this movie is full of nostalgic moments for sci-fi fans. Disc battles, lightcycle battles, familiar sights, sounds, and... Bruce Boxlietner. Oh, yes Bruce Boxlietner reprises his role as Tron from the original. Oh...hell...yes! The look and feel of the movie (to me) had a sleek cyber punk look. Cyber punk being my favorite subgenre of Sci-Fi, I loved that. The costumes were great, the atmosphere was awe-inspiring, and the action was fun to watch.

Now before I seem like there was nothing at all to complain about, let me talk about what I saw as negatives.

There's barely any Bruce Boxleitner. He reprises his role as Tron, but only in brief flash back scenes. The computer generated face on younger Jeff Bridges(Kevin Flynn) is starkly noticeable. The plot is predictable; in my first screening I was literally able to speak the next lines of dialogue before the on screen actors did. Characters are set up, but then never seen nor heard from again. near the beginning we are introduced to the Encom board of directors who have ruined (gone in a completely selfish direction with) Flynn's company; among them is a smug programmer who really seems to be made out to be a great antagonist for Sam.... never seen again. And the plot revolves around the possibility that the villain, a digital copy of Kevin Flynn is bent on crossing into the real world and taking over. This (to me) raises the obvious question of how a digital being can exist in the real world (you know, without a projector or connection to the internet) We're just to assume it's possible with flynn's data disc. No explanation is given. There is a pretty thick analog for Kevin Flynn being God; he's called "the creator" and Sam (his son) arriving to save the world from CLU (the evil version of Flynn) some of this I don't mind, because technically Flynn did create (or at least laid the building blocks of) the Grid.

But I loved Tron: Legacy. I highly recommend seeing it. It is a fun ride from beginning to end (there's not much suspense, as I said it's predictable) The graphics are amazing, the acting is supurb, and it pays tribute to the original in so many ways. Finally a belated sequel worth seeing. Plus Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxlietner!

Beanie Tries... Oreo Candy Cane

In the festive spirit, Beanie tries a candy cane flavored Oreo cookie. Will he like it?

Note* Beanie is lactose intolerant. He drinks Silk.

Holiday Traditions

People all over the world have different holiday traditions. Whether it be decorating a Christmas tree or lighting a Menorah. Giving each other gifts is a constant norm around this time of year. For me, it's a bit more unconventional. Every year around the Christmas holidays when my sister is out of school, we watch each season of Viva La Bam on dvd. It started a few years ago when she would get the dvd sets as presents on Christmas day. We would watch them all day, and as she got the seasons, we would start over from the beginning. And now its moved to our yearly marathon to when school lets out, rather than waiting for Christmas day. While I was in college, we waited until both of us were done, but now I've graduated; yet the tradition lives on, and I can't see it fading away anytime soon.

What are your holiday traditions? Please comment. Share your stories, your friend's stories.

Diebuster: Let's Go Topless | Otaku USA Anime Coverage

Diebuster: Let's Go Topless | Otaku USA Anime Coverage

Day of the Ninja

The wind howls violently, and the air is filled with thousands of cherry blossom leaves, slowly drifting downward. Nestled in the Utagawa Mountains, a fortified temple stands watch over the world. Standing sentry atop the long stairway, a man in black robes peers to the distance. Another man approaches from behind and kneels.
"Master, I received your summons and arrived as soon as I could."
"You have done well, these past years at my side, 5." spoke the old man, "Such loyalty, and strength."
"I live to serve, master."
"And now it is time for your service to take you far away from this temple."
"Master?"
"I will be leaving this place soon, and I do not want you to spend your life wasting away within these walls."
"But master, you can't mean..."
"It is quite alright, 5." smiled the old master, now helping 5 to his feet, "I have lived a most fulfilling life. I have no remorse, no regrets."
Tears began to well in 5's eyes.
"Now, now, all is well, my child. I will always be with you."
The old master inhaled deeply and slowly began to walk away.
"But master, where will I go? What am I to do?"
"Follow your heart, my son, and all answers will be revealed." As if carried by the cherry blossoms, the old master disappeared into the night sky, leaving his humble student alone atop the steps.
For some time, 5 remained at the temple, wandering its vacant corridors. Staring at the zen garden where Master taught him his first lesson, his mind dwelt on his master's last request.
Eventually, 5 left the temple. Looking back one last time, he remembered all the years he'd spent there. It was his home, and Master was like a father to him. And now, what was there. Just emptiness.
Walking down the long stairway, he put the past behind him. He would probably never see it again. Finally reaching the bottom, he found himself in a city. People walked past without taking notice. Everyone was in a bustle, trying to buy and sell all manner of products. Many of them of low quality.
"Is there a way for someone to tell them of their futility?" 5 thought to himself.
"Man, don't buy that!" shouted a strange man in a tight skullcap, "It sucks, you should try this instead."
5 took notice of this man. Once he'd finished his verbal assault of the random pedestrian, 5 approached the man.
"Greetings," said 5, struggling to find a name for the man, "Beanie."
"Beanie?" replied the man, "heh, I like that. What can I help you with, Random Ninja?"
5 smiled at this moniker, "How would you like to help me? I think these people really need to hear what's good and bad about the things they buy."
"They need someone to tell them what they need to know. I know just how to do it."
"How?"
"The internet!"
Together, Random Ninja and Beanie started a blog site and produced videos telling their viewers the good, the bad, and the ugly about popular media.
That day would come to be known as the Day of the Ninja.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A NINJA

December 5th is the National Day of the Ninja. So here's a video depicting the everyday life of a ninja.

note. Blip.tv is being touchy again and I was forced to upload a lesser res version. for a better one check out my youtube channel www.youtube.com/therandomninja5

1000 Views on YouTube!

I was checking out my youtube channel www.youtube.com/therandomninja5 when I discovered that one of my videos had reached over 1000 views! I view this as a personal triumph. 1000 people have seen my work. True its only one video and the rest are no where near that, but it's still an accomplishment. It was one of my earliest videos; an Anime Music Video where I used footage from Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and combined it with both "One Note Song" by Tenacious D and a cover of "Die, Die, Die, My Darling" by Aiden. Enjoy.



Here's a link to another AMV also featuring GITS:SAC and Tenacious D; this time with their audio track "Drive-Thru"



And finally my magnum opus of AMVs (as of two years ago anyway) again with GITS:SAC but this time I use many audio clips. My theme for this one, was that the Laughing Man, an antagonist character from the show, has taken control of your screen and is replacing the audio with other sources. I hope you enjoy.



Thanks for all the views and the support.

Tuesdays With Morrie

The curtain opens slowly to a darkened stage in a quiet theatre. Softly a spotlight pierces the black and introduces a figure sitting at a keyboard.
"The last class of my old professor's life met once a week, in his house, by a window in the study where he could watch a small hibiscus plat shed its leaves." said the man at the piano, "The subject of the class was The Meaning of Life. It was taught from experience. There was no required reading, but many topics were covered: love, work, aging, family, community, forgiveness... and death. The class met on Tuesdays and had only one student. I was that student. This is Professor Morrie Schwartz."
More lights came on, revealing an aged man dancing to the music being played by the other. Morrie Schwartz danced his way down the stage, and into the hearts of the captivated audience.
Tuesdays With Morrie is a one-act stage-play based on the bestselling book of the same title, and tells the real life story of Mitch Albom, a sports journalist, and his reconnection with his estranged college professor, Morrie Schwartz. In the play we begin both by the two's meeting on graduation day at Brandeis College and their first meeting. The two reminisce about their first meeting, and how they spent the years becoming close. As, Mitch is leaving school, he promises to stay in touch with Morrie; however, he breaks that promise, and it's a further sixteen years before they see each other again.
In that time, Mitch has changed a lot. Not doing anything with his sociology degree, he attempts to become a jazz pianist. This falls short as Mitch is emotionally struck by the death of his uncle. This gives him the revelation that he needs to do something with his life, and he returns to college. He graduates with a degree in journalism, eventually becoming the famous sportswriter he is today with books, radio shows, TV spots, and his newspaper columns.
One day, Mitch is watching TV when he catches an interview of Morrie Schwartz on Nightline with Ted Koppel. He learns that his old professor has contracted Amyotropic Lateral Sclrosis (ALS) commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Mitch decides to call up his old professor. They meet one day and have an awkward sit down at Morrie's home. One meeting becomes two, and eventually, Mitch is coming to visit Morrie every week on Tuesday.
He starts bringing tape recorders and notepads. Mitch learns a lot about life and death from Morrie in their time together. As the meetings proceed, Morrie's health slowly wanes. At their first meeting, he needs to use a walker; at the second, he's in a wheelchair; then he's resigned to a comfortable chair; and eventually, at their final meeting, Morrie is bedridden.
During their time together, we see how their relationship goes from estrangement to love, and all the ups and downs in between. We learn of Morrie's take on life; "There is no point in loving. Loving IS the point." Along the way, we learn of how both Morrie and Mitch wish they had the courage to say goodbye to long lost loved ones before it was too late; Mitch with his uncle, and Morrie with his mother.
"If you wait til the last minute for the famous last words," said Morrie, "you'd better have great timing."
I was brought to tears in this scene, not only from the emotional revelation of the characters, but by the emotions it stirred in me. We've all been in this situation. For me, it reminds me most of my Grandmother, who passed recently. She had been sick a long time. She also had alsheimer's. The last time I said goodbye to her, I'm not certain she knew who I was. I didn't visit her when she was in the hospital after she got bad. In my mind I was torn. I loved my grandmother, but part of me kept convincing my mind that she wouldn't recognize me anyway, so why go? Finally I was determined to go visit her the next time my mother went. Only then, it was too late. She had passed away that same night. I missed my chance. I was never going to get to say goodbye to her properly.
And here it is, half a year later, and these feelings are being drawn out by the words of these two men; however, the play was not over just yet.
Along with the deep philosophical conversations, there is an abundance of humor. Little moments sprinkled all throughout the show, really made me laugh out loud. Morrie attempts to pour himself a glass of water, when he spills the pitcher all over the floor. Having lost almost all motor function, he can't pick himself up. At the same time, Mitch enters in a tiff about the weather. He storms past not noticing his old friend hunched over the seat, unable to move. After a long rant about how hot it was outside, Mitch finally sees Morrie in distress.
"JESUS, Morrie!" he shouts as he helps the old man back into the seat, "What happened?"
Morrie looks at Mitch and says, "I was playing hockey."
Later on, Morrie asks Mitch if he wants to watch the World Series on TV. Mitch questions Morrie's knowledge of the event.
"Everyone knows the World Series," proclaims Morrie.
"Yeah?" asks Mitch "Who's playing?"
There is a pause, where Morrie searches for the answer, but finally says, "Two baseball teams."
There is a well designed mixture of drama and comedy in the production. In a scene where Mitch's wife, Janine, accompanies Mitch on his visit, Morrie lets slip that he was once in Detroit, the same city that Mitch and his wife live; however, previously, Morrie stated that he'd never been there. Mitch questions this, but Morrie ignores him, and we are treated with the angelic voice of Janine as she sings to Morrie.
"His body was stiff as a sandbag," says Mitch, "but he was dancing."
Shortly after, Morrie health gets bad. He is bedridden, and Mitch arrives for his final visit. It is here that Mitch learns the truth about Morrie's trip to Detroit. Years ago, when Mitch's writing career first took off, Morrie had gone to Detroit in hopes of seeing him. He wrote a letter expressing that wish; however, Mitch, once his new life started, had thrown it away without a second glance along with any other invoice from Brandeis College. This revelation hits Mitch hard. Had he known about the letter, the past sixteen years may have turned out much differently. He would have still been in touch with Morrie the whole time, he wouldn't just now be reconnecting with him.
"Forgive everyone, everything," says Morrie, tears beginning to well, "I forgave you. Now you forgive yourself."
Mitch asks, "Why'd you let me come back?"
Morrie answers with an old Yiddish saying, "Farhaltnisht deine licht unter a shorten. Don't hide your light under a bushel."
He is talking about the light within yourself.
Morrie has one last request of Mitch. Once he's gone, he wants Mitch to visit his grave, every Tuesday and bring a lunch, just as he did for all of their meetings. He wants Mitch to talk to him about his problems and his life.
"You won't be able to talk back," says Mitch.
And Morrie replies, "You talk, I'll listen."
With that, the two say goodbye in the only way they know how, by saying, "I love you."
Morrie died shortly thereafter, and Mitch reflected to the audience.
"I finally figured out what Morrie knew that I didn't. If you lead your life as Morrie did, with people as the priority, making memories, giving of yourself, then when you die, you're not really gone. You live inside the hearts of everyone you've ever touched. So when they visit a cemetery or they're walking alone or when they're playing the piano you taught them to play. They can hear everything you've ever given them. The next time I visited the cemetery, I brought a blanket and some food and laid out a picnic. Morrie was right. It was a lovely spot. 'You talk, I'll listen.' I tried doing that and, to my surprise, the conversation felt almost natural. I realized why. It was Tuesday."
Mitch sat down and began playing the piano. As softly as it appeared, the light faded away and the stage returned to black. Lingering in the air were thoughts of Morrie and the beautiful song that we know he was dancing to.
Much weight is carried on the two performers and the crew supporting them. Quite a wide span of time is covered in this piece, and many emotional journeys are taken. To aid this, the lights and sounds, along with the various set pieces, are meticulously honed to draw out the audience's response. The highly skilled technical crew are able to change the set pieces without the aid of a closing curtain. Everything is done through the use of light and shadow. As the light is on one of the actors, set pieces are being moved in total darkness, creating a seamless effect which holds the story together.
This story is quite moving, touching not only the heartstrings but the funny bone. It makes you laugh, makes you cry, and you learn something about yourself. The message in this play is appropriate for everyone. How you deal with death is just as important as how you deal with life. The two walk hand-in-hand.You go in to see a performance, and you leave a better person.

Mighty Morphin Random Ninja

A disturbance has been detected by the command center sensors. Alpha 5 and Zordon need to find a new champion to help the planet.

Big Plans

Hello to all who visit this blog. I am happy that people are interested in my opinions and such. As you all know by now, the Power On series is coming to a close. The final episode will be up as soon as I can finish it, so you'll just have to wait a bit longer to see what will become of our heroes. I have also been working on how the site will continue afterward. As you can tell by some of the recent video posts, I am planning to continue the video series; however, it will not be Power On as you know it. In fact I'm not sure it will have a definite title as such. But it will be the video portion of the blog where I (along with Francis at times and maybe some special guests occasionally) will review/ give our opinions on games, tv, movies, etc. A sort of "Back To Form" as it were.
But you can rest assured that it will not be dull or drab. In fact, I am currently writing scripts that will give a new format to the show. I will keep this new format in the dark for another week or so, but it will be awesomesauce. It will be something that people of my generation will find nostalgic and funny, and I hope that younger viewers will enjoy it just as much. I'm working hard on the particulars, and dealing with serious technical difficulties that overshadow the ones that have prevented episodes in the past. Sometimes it seems that my computer is giving up the ghost, but I manage to revive it. It will probably have to go into the shop for repairs and if that's the case, there will be a brief time where there is no Attack.
But once the computer is repaired (hopefully) I will finally catch up to all the videos I've been meaning to do this whole year. Wish me luck, loyal internet audience.
Nothing can stop a Random Ninja Attack.

Random Ninja Attack Opening

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1

Last night I attended the midnight premier of the latest Harry Potter movie. My fiance being a huge fan of the series actually bought our tickets over a month in advance. we even arrived nearly four hours early. Around three hours before show time, they began letting patrons into the theater. There were many people dressed for the occasion. I saw people in shirts and sweaters displaying the colors of Gryffindor house, I myself wore a Slytherin t-shirt and my fiance wore a Hogwarts hoodie over a shirt proudly displaying the word "Muggle"There were even people in full regalia of wizard robes. One young girl was wearing what appeared to be the robes of Ravenclaw, though truthfully It was quite dark and I could not tell. As the fans shuffled in there was a mixture of false British accents and overjoyed shouts all around.
Close to an hour before showtime the patrons were treated to a different kind of performance when a fan stood and shouted, "Mudbloods aren't welcome here," so that the entire theater could here him. Another young man on the opposite side of the row stood and challenged him. In sight of the entire congregation, the two would-be wizards squared off at the foot of the screen. Neither in wizard robes, but both with wands. The Pure-blood on one side and the Muggle-born on the other.
With a flick of his wand the pure-blood shouted "Stupify!" and the Muggle-born flew backward into a pile of empty boxes. Though slightly disoriented, the Muggle-born stood and retaliated with his own spell, "Sectumsempre!" But the pure-blood reacted quickly.
"Protego!" and the spell was deflected into the screen. Almost simultaneously the duelists fired their next spells.
"Petrificus Totalis and Avarda Kedavra" were shouted in such close proximity that no one could tell who shouted what. There was a flash of green and the Pure-blood sank into the floor staring up to the ceiling with lifeless eyes. When the smoke cleared there was a thunderous roar of applause from the theater as the Muggle-born was hailed as a champion.
Finally it was midnight. The lights dimmed and the screen came to life; the familiar Warner Brothers logo appeared in the clouds and there was a shriek of joy from every corner of the theater. At long last after nearly a decade, the end of the saga had begun.
The movie, being split into two parts had more time to draw out scenes. Unlike the others which seemed to be rushed, this one could take a more steady pace. Which I feel really helped the foreboding feeling it was trying to make. There was more scope in the cinematography, showing depth in the world as Harry and his friends journey. Having the movie at a slower pace is not detrimental in the slightest. It gives the viewer a chance to see the world as it changes around the characters, as well as give ample time for character development and little moments, that fans of the books will enjoy just as much as the average movie-goer. Everything builds up to the climactic conclusion in part 2. Not to say that part 1 is without climax, there are several climactic moments which leave the audience on the edge of their seat and leave them wanting more.
While there are moments from the book not present in the movie, it leaves room for original ideas, which, while mentioned in the book, never actually are seen (read.) What is left in, only works for the better, character-wise and story-wise.
If anything this movie has a theme of Loss. Harry and his friends are still feeling the effects of the events from Half-Blood Prince. They are cut-off from everything they have come to know and love in the last six years at Hogwarts. They are on the run without a clue as to what they are supposed to be doing in carrying out Dumbleore's wishes. Once again, their friendship and resolve will be tested. Do they have what it takes to save the world? Are they on the right path? These are but a few of the questions swimming in their weary minds.
In the end, we have a look at what's to come. What will be in store for our heroes in part 2 with what has happened to them so far in part 1. You definitely get the sense of foreboding and loss while watching part 1.
The visuals as, always are beautiful and stunning, the characters are spot on, and the dialogue is straight out of the book. So far, this is possibly the closest book to movie transition ever made, and part 2 is still months away. J K Rowling's world has truly come to life and with nearly a decade of work, Hollywood has finally gotten something right. I thoroughly recommend seeing this movie, not only if you are a fan of the books or movies, but if you love movies, and love the pure escapism. You will be hard-pressed to find a more immersed movie-going experience.

Undead Redemption

Being that today is the Day of the Dead, I thought I would play a game fitting the season. But what to play? I want to play a Zombie survival game that is free roaming with an expansive area to wonder and run from the undead. Something like that awesome free roam western game, Red Dead Redemption...Hmm...What's this?


Oh My God, Yes!
My prayers have been answered. Rockstar Games has heard my plea and has given me a glorious thing. Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare is a short horror game available for download on the Playstation Network and Xbox Live Arcade. Set within the storyoriginal game, this DLC's story takes place shortly after John Marston returns home from his adventure in the regular game. A terrible storm is brewing, and all across the land, the dead are rising from the grave to feast on the flesh of the living. Marston rides out to find an answer to "why?" Along the way, he runs into familiar faces from RDD as he battles with the unholy demon hordes of undead.

The controls handle exactly the same way as in the regular game, however, there is a less abundance of weapons and ammunition. Hundreds of zombies roam the land, and only a few dozen survivors can be found holed up in the once thriving towns. Not only are the recently deceased humans on the rampage, but the skies are filled with cursed bats, and the wilderness is home to undead animals seeking to devour anyone who still lives. You can even ride on undead horses.

The ambiance is amazing, and really fit the intended mood. A dark haze blankets the land, and the sun is rarely seen, with frequent rains and overcast days. And you never know when you'll run into a legion of undead. You need to stay on your toes at all times. Just because you can't see them, doesn't mean they're not there. Many times I found myself standing over the last zombie's body, when all of a sudden there's another fifty or so, springing up out of the ground!

Marston must roam the country, saving towns and helping the survivors. There is plenty to keep the player occupied, from fending off the zombie hordes to hunting down the elusive sasquatch, searching for buried treasure, and even breaking in the four horses of the apocalypse. Each with its own special power. War has the ability to smite your trampled enemies in hellfire, Pestilence is nearly impossible to kill, Famine never tires, and Death causes your trampled enemies' heads to explode!

With new weapons and outfits to find, the zombie apocalypse is a fun ride to enjoy, but be careful, because you might become a zombie yourself!
This game had me terrified and at the same time, reveling in its awesomeness.
It's a bit glitchy, but so was RDD. A great buy, $9.99 on PSN. Totally worth it. 10+ hours of gameplay; and as always with Rockstar Games, the ability to continue to free roam after the story mode ends, and that's always a good thing. It is possibly the best zombie game out there. Now, if only it were a full length game.
9/10

The Pumpkin of Shadow

For Halloween this year I decided to honor one of my new favorite games, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow. I decided to carve a pumpkin using the visage of the Devil Mask which plays a pivotal role in the plot. I didn't make the exact mask, just using the eyes and mouth. Many agreed that it turned out to be one of the creepiest jack o lanterns they'd seen. I can almost see it speaking and the cracks opening and closing as the eyes and mouth move. This was my way of paying homage to a great video game as well as keep in the spirit of the season. Lets see any unwanted spirits get past this protector.

1 year Anniversary

It's been one year since the premier of my very first review episode "Power On" while it turned out not to be a review, but a spoof, it started me and my partner KB on a wild ride of internet videodom. We've been continuing to make material over the last year. Power On has become a miniseries with a plot spanning each episode and the finale is just around the corner! I've had fun making videos and spouting my opinions over the last year, and I hope to continue and grow in pobularity.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Limited Edition

Beanie and Francis open up their Castlevania: Lords of Shadow limited edition box and see what's inside.

Happy Birthday Nintendo

Sometimes there are coincidences, and then there is fate. Today in history: the Nintendo Entertainment System was launched in 1985, making it 25 years old. Also today in history: I was born in 1986. That means that Nintendo and I have the same birthday. It is as if I was destined to be a gamer.

For a quarter century, Nintendo has been entertaining millions, and there's no sign of it stopping. And with many of their premier titles still kicking out games, it seems that gaming indeed has some longevity. Congrats Nintendo, for making it 25 years, and heres a toast to another 25!

Jackass 3D

Utilizing state-of-the-art 3D cameras and high speed slow-motion, Jackass is considerably the best 3D movie of all time, if no THE best movie of all time. Unlike other 3D movies which use the technology as a gimmick to have things appear to fly out at the audience "whoa, that hand looks like it's coming out at me!" Jackass does not. In Jackass, there is more play with perspective and depth of field. Making object appear either closer or further away than they actually are. That is how 3D should be treated.
Have you ever wanted to see someone getting slapped in the face with a mackerel in super slo-mo? I have. Have you ever wanted to see someone get knocked over by a giant hand? I have. While much of the movie is filled with childish stunts and immature gags, there is a deeper meaning. Spreading a message of good natured feelings, there is no hate, nor malice anywhere to be found in this movie. It is filled with a childlike innocence and brotherly love. The Jackasses are retaining that innocence of childhood, playing as we all did as children. It is the paramount of escapism that we as a society desperately need. Harmless fun.
There is no conflict, no great task to undertake, no damsel to rescue, only laughs to be shared and fun to be had. They bring us back to a simpler time, when we were children. Playing and laughing together as we pushed our friend down a hill into a questionable nasty pond or frolicked naked through a field. I did these things, and you did too. It is the embodiment of the never grow old mentality. Not in the sense that you should never mature and live your life. We've seen these guys when they're not goofing around, leading normal lives, many of them are very successful in their careers outside of Jackass. No, what I mean, is that you should retain your childhood innocence in some way, whether it be goofing around with your buddies or just doing something nostalgic and meaningful to yourself. That is what Jackass is really about, Memories of a better time. I highly recommend this movie. And don't give me that crap about imitatible acts. When I was a kid I did much of the very same stuff, and that was long before jackass was around. I will not lie, there is a lot of peni in this movie, and you should take caution if you're uncomfortable around that, but lets be honest. By this time in your life your bound to have already seen at least one.
Go see this movie!

Big News

I was planning on waiting until after the series finale of Power On to debut the new format video series but I've already got two episode raring to go. So I've decided to push up the release date on the new episodes to next week. Actually the first was supposed to be up this week, but work got in the way. Be on the listen and be on the lookout for the new and improved Random Ninja Attack!

Power On - Episode 5 "What Sweeps The Mind"

At last the long awaited episode 5 of the hit web series Power On.

Investigative journalist Weston Harris tracks down a lead in a case involving mysterious events and strange sightings. Where will his search lead him?

Anniversary of PlayStation

PlayStation is now 15 years old! Can you believe it? For a decade and a half, Sony's PlayStation gaming console has been entertaining millions of gamers and non-gamers alike. I am proud to count myself in that number. I became a PlayStation gamer 12 years ago when I was introduced to Metal Gear Solid. Since then I have been a loyal fan of PlayStation, also owning the PlayStation2, PlayStation3, and PlayStation Portable. It has been 15 wonderful years of advancement in the art of gaming and we can only hope for it to continue. With the industry movie towards downloadable games, 3D gaming, accurate motion control, and as always, great stories that keep us entertained and escaped from our everyday lives, we can only expect the best in the years to come.

The Last Airbender

I recently just saw the movie based on the popular nicktoon "Avatar: The Last Airbender." Let me be the first to say that this movie is vastly underrated by others. It is a great movie, Now it does have flaws but none of them are deal breakers in my book. Especially when you keep in mind that this movie is intended for younger audiences. There are a few things that will take people by surprise, and these were explained in an interview with director M. Night Shayamalan. One major thing that differs between the show and the movie is that in the movie the names are pronounced correctly whereas in the cartoon they are not.
I actually heard people complaining the reverse. No offense intended (well maybe a little) these people belong to the uneducated masses. These were not children either. They were adults. These are probably the same people who think that China and Japan are the same country.
The movie itself had action a little adventure, some romance, and the best special effects so far this year. The actors were perfectly cast, fully embodying the characters they personafied. The story remained true to the original apart from certain things which were not problematic. The Last Airbender movie was basically an abridged version of season 1 of the show. Keeping to the key points of the overall plot while glancing over or omitting unnecessary adventures (things that contribute in no way at all to the plot)
There are a few things that could have been done better: there was one scene where exposition was uncomfortably spouted out hastily and was shot entirely in close-up. This scene should have been a medium shot and with a better paced delivery. Another scene that should've been done better (this is a bit of a spoiler) Aang (pronounced with and extended short a sound) turns to Zuko and says, "we could be friends" and then the scene cuts to something else abruptly. It should have either zoomed out slowly revealing Zuko's reaction or panned slowly to do the same, or even had a close up of Zuko's reaction. But no, there is no shot of Zuko's reaction. Apart from that, I would've enjoyed a more steady calm pace to the production, but again, I have to keep in mind the movie is intended for younger audiences and they have shorter attention spans than I do. (I can sit through Seven Samurai without needing the intermission to stretch my legs.) If the movie was 2 hours rather than 1 1/2 it would've had more time to flesh out everything, as it was, it was a bit rushed at times, but it did manage to fit an entire season into that 1 1/2 hours, and for that I am impressed.
The artistic design is amazing, taking different approach than the show, while still keeping the same themes. Fire nation wears reds and their dress is similar to that of feudal era Japan. Earth nation wears greens and browns with styles similar to Ancient China. Water nation dresses in blues and dresses in both Inuit garb and Norwegian fair. And the Air nomads dress as Tibetan monks with oranges and yellows. The fire nation's ships have a mechanical industrial feel whereas the other ships seen are made of wood as those of the sailing age. Character designs are true to the source material but have their own style. Zuko for instance appears as he does in season 2 rather than his appearance in season 1. Katara's hair is down, and the Fire lord has short hair, which suits the actors. Another thing that may take people aback is that the Water nation are all Caucasian rather than "Inuit" as in the show. The Earth nation are all Southeast Asian, and the Fire nation are Asian-Indian. The Air Nomads are mix between many ethnicities.
While the story may not seem as compelling to adult audiences, remember it is for children and is based on a children's show. The people who complain about it are ignorant of this fact and of the show itself. For instance, I've heard in other reviews that the show was referred to as an anime. Which is incorrect. The show is American made, though it is done in a Japanimation style, it is a nicktoon, written by Americans (hence the mispronunciations,etc) This movie is actually well done, with amazing actors especially Shaun Toub as Iroh. I really do hope that M. Night Shyamalan makes the other two to complete the story. The Last Airbender is a great movie and should be viewed in the manner it was intended. I'm actually planning on seeing it again, and maybe for a 3rd time, who knows. I suggest this movie not only to fans of the show but to casual viewers as well. Though keep in mind, you won't be getting the whole story. For that you'd need to watch the series.
Go see it, now!

recent games

This is an impromptu attack because I'm bored waiting for a video to load on another site (the spoony experiment){go check it out, hilarious}
anywhay...
Where was I, oh yes. I've been on vacation the last few weeks and apart from hitting the beach I played some of the newer videogame titles that have hit the shelves in the last month. I've only just gotten to them and have been busy with other things so I've only gotten ahold of 4 games. Red Dead Redemption, Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker, Iron Man 2, and Mod Nation Racers.

MNR has been out for a little while but I finally got my hands on it. I haven't beaten yet, but I would like to give a brief rundown on it. For those who don't know. MNR was made by the same team that brought you Little Big Planet. But this is not a mischief filled platformer, it is a racing game. To be more precise, It is a cart (or kart) racing game. Akin to Mario Kart and the like. Which means that not only are you racing on wacky courses with jumps, rings of fire, water hazards, and other nasty squish-you obstacles, but there are weapons and items that you can use on your opponents. These range from hyperboosters, to missiles. Yet there's a limited number of weapons. All in all there are 4(not including the powered up versions) boosters, rockets, lightning, and shock waves. The lower level of these are ok for close combat but the power ups are what you need for long distance destruction. If you're falling behind on the polls, try collecting an item and see what happens. Unfortunately there's no difference in appearance for the items on the track. They all look like purple spheres, But they are necessary in some races. So far the races have had 12 positions. That means that there are 11 other drivers collecting weapons and aiming them at you. Lap 3 usually becomes a frenzy of rockets and shock waves with someone trying to boost through the carnage. Many times I've lost at the finish line because of a salvo launched behind me, but that's also the fun of the game. You never know whether you're going to win are explode at the home stretch.
Along with the fast-paced, trigger-happy tracks, MNR offers a creation system (much like LBP) where you can customize your Mod(character) your Kart, and even custom make your own courses using the exact same engine that the designers used. Hours will be spent tweaking every little detail, or you can just make the track itself and have the game auto populate it. It basically picks the obstacles, and decoration placement at random. Try it out for a spin. You just may enjoy it.
MNR has both online and offline multi-player so you can have fun blowing your friends up and stealing the gold medal(or whatever you get for winning) All in all it is an enjoyable and addicting game.

RDD is a western for the ages. The most expansive and engrossing western game ever. Made by the studio that brought you Grand Theft Auto, you are place in the rough years of the early 20th century, where industry was taking over, and there was less and less need for pioneers and cowboys. You play as John Marsten - a former outlaw who is contracted by the government to take down his former posse. The land is so enormous that you can easily get lost. But not only that, it is beautifully designed. From the variety of landscape and sky effects you can spend hours just gazing into the distance. From dry desert, to the plains, to a snow covered forest, you will have lots to see. But don't get lost in thought, because you never know when a grizzly or a bandito will attack you. The random encounters give a whole new level of gameplay that not many other games offer. The music sounds like its straight from a spaghetti western and really transports you into that world. The dead eye system (which slows down time and allows you to take more accurate shots) works with all weapons and not just the revolver. There's also more variety of weapons than in other western games as well. However the weapon menu does not pause the game, so make sure you're out of the line of fire when you change weapons or you could find yourself laying face up.
Not all random encounters are dangerous, some are just people who want a ride into town or even to reward you for your good deeds. There is an honor system (that is similar to the fame system in infamous) however it does not change the outcome of the game nor the missions, so there's no real incentive to be good. There is a wanted system, much like in GTA4, and the combat is similar as well. And of course like most Rockstar games, you can keep playing after you've beaten it, and with the random encounters, saloons, and even bounty missions there's enough to peak your interest for a long time to come.
But the game is not without faults. Among the top are: cannot swim, duel mode sucks, authorities come way too fast once you've done something wrong(by accident) seriously I walked into a town and everybody and their grama was shooting at me. So I shot back and Bam, I'm the one who get chased by the sherif. By I digress. The dueling system is flawed. You are encouraged to win non-lethally by way of shooting their gun from their hand or their hat off their head; however, there are some duels where that is impossible. I tried several times to win non-lethally, and every time I died. So I had to just pump them fill of lead. I could go on but I've got a few more games to discuss in this attack.

Before I get to the best game I played recently, lets discuss the worst. Iron Man 2.
Now don't get me wrong, I love Iron Man. I love the movie I love Iron man 2 the movie, but I am greatly disappointed in the game. Before I discuss the bad, I will talk about the good.
The game does not follow the movie (yes I find this a good thing) it is an adventure that takes place sometime after the events fo the movie, So You may need some knowledge of the movie (but not much) A few characters from the movie appear in the game, but most of the characters are either new or movie-like versions of comic characters. That's one of the things I love about the game, they take classic icons from the comics and use the designs from the movies to make them fit in that universe. The voices are done by the actors from the movies, so they have the same mannerisms. And you can play as either Iron Man or War Machine. SHIELD Helicarrier!
Now for the bad: I'm going to come out and say this. The designers put no effort into this game. The controls are all over the place. It takes too many buttons to do things and even then, the directional controls with the camera and flight controls are awful. It is difficult to lock on target. While you can press a button and lock, it doesn't always lock on the nearest target, nor does it lock onto targets directly behind. The game seems short, compared to other super hero games. One of my biggest problems is that it is not free-roam. In my opinion super hero games should be free-roam, where you as the hero scour the city and answer the call for help. But no. this is a straight up mission-by-mission game. Now for the biggest problem. The graphics SUCK. Where were the designers. Not at work obviously. I mean this game is not PS3 quality. First gen PS2 maybe.
For years the rift between PS3 and PS2 versions of games has been wide, but this is ridiculous. I'm glad I just rented this game and didn't buy it. I would be totally miffed if I paid $60+ for this piece of trash.
Ok. now don't you all get mad. I do kind of enjoy playing this game. I mean, I'm flying around, cracking skulls as Iron Man or War Machine. Now that's at least something. But they should have left this game in the oven a bit longer.
Now make it free roam, include things from this game like the hellicarrier - make it a fully explorable environment. Fly around and save people from things and bad guys and stuff.

Now I will talk some about the best game I've played recently. MGSPW.
I plan on doing a more extensive review, but heres a short version.
Aside from having the usual problems with PSP games (the control limitations ) Kojima Productions has outdone themselves once again. Pushing the technology to the limits and beyond. This is the most extensive PSP game ever made. Now before you say "that's not that impressive" keep this in mind. A UMD disc is a 1/4 the size of a normal one and no where near has the data storage of a modern bluray disc, yet PW has more content than MGS4. Can you believe that.
While the story is on the short side(compared to the other games) it is engrossing and filled with intrigue. You play as Big Boss in a MGS3 sequel. BB has been busy recruiting a mercenary army when he is contacted by Galvez who wants him to pursue a mysterious military that has invaded their country. On his mission, BB uncovers the new Metal Gear code named Peace Walker.
I'm not going to get too in depth with this, but the game continues after the story mode. There are dozens of side missions and missions where you send troops into battle. With an ever growing tech tree, you can play to your strengths and use the right tool for the right job. If you're a MGS fan, you definitely want to play this. It IS an official game in the series, directed by famed series creator Hideo Kojima. There's soo much in this game, that I could just go on and on, but I'll save that for another time. Needless to say, It was a very enjoyable escape that I have been hard-pressed to put down. Hours of stealth action await gamers who get their sneaky mits on Peace Walker. I strongly advise getting this game, not just for MGS fans but any gamer. It is an experience like no other. So Snake in, play with a friend. Oh, I forgot, the entire game is co-op-able. Is that a word. It is now "co-op-able" copy write Random Ninja Attack (june 26, 2010) You can play every mission in the game in co-op, that is amazing and a first for MGS. I hope it is a light of things to come from the awesome team at Kojima Productions.

Well that's what I've been up to (apart form looking for a job, and dealing with family matters) but expect a few more things to come in the next week, until then, be careful when you walk down that dark path because you never know when you may walk into... a RANDOM NINJA ATTACK!!!

News

Episode 5 will be up in a few weeks. I've been on vacation for the last couple. Here's a list of things to come.

Power On Episode 5
Power On Episode 6
Power On Shopping Network
NinjaCard Commercial
Text Review Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty, the novel

There's also a few other things I'm working on, I can't wait to get them started. I don't want to give too much away, but I'm trying something new. I hope everyone out there in internet land is having a good summer.I will see you when I see you.

Ultimate Universal Irony

Ok, now this is so Ironic that it is hard to believe but it is 100% true. I was flipping channels and as I was, I noticed that Brokeback Mountain was on. I continued to flip and on another channel at the exact same time Family Guy was on, and as the family was sitting around the campfire, Peter was singing a song about cowboy butt-sex. If that isn't the ultimate universal irony I don't know what is.

Power On - Episode 4 "Televised Trauma"

The Random Ninja drops in on his friends KB, Beanie, and Francis only to find them gone. While he waits for them he decides to watch TV and witnesses some strange transmissions.

Attack on Stupidity #3

Here it is the long awaited Attack on Stupidity #3.
Yet another episode where I describe the completely stupid acts of people.
This one will be a bit different as it pertains to one specific person and not a group.

For those who don't know, I work on photography. As in film. I photograph and develop my own film. Film is a complex mistress. For those of you who don't know how film works here is a shortened version. Fim is light sensitive. The camera lens via a shutter allows light to expose the film which created the image. In order to ensure the image is developed, the film must not be further exposed to light until the development process is finished. This means that you will be in almost total darkness during the process. During development you will be under the safe lights which are red and doesn't effect the film, once it is in the tank. However, before that, the film must be removed from the canister it comes in and put on a spool which will be place inside the tank which the chemicals will be pour into. This process MUST be done in total darkness. Not even the red lights can be on. Once the development process is complete, which takes around 30 minutes, only then can the lights be turned on.
You must understand that the development is more complicated than that, but that is the brief rundown.

I was in the process of spooling my film. I was developing 3 rolls. Two 35mm rolls and one 120mm. I had already spooled one of the 35mm rolls and was just beginning to spool the other when the lights came on. Not the red lights. Oh no. The white lights. The person who turned the lights on had just finished developing their film, and did not ask me if they could turn the lights on. This is quite improper to do, as I have stated that film is very light sensitive. What they did could have and quite possibly might have ruined my roll of film.

I continued working on developing my film, after turning the lights off. After developing all 3 rolls I was finally able to see how it went. Many of my images did not develop.

People who work in darkrooms should always observe proper darkroom etiquette.

Attack on Gamer

Gamer is probably the best video game movie ever made. (so far) Why? Because it's not based on a video game. It has elements from games and also plays on society's interest and fear of total control. Yet it is not entirely original either.

WARNING! This text review WILL contain spoilers.

In Gamer, technology has advanced so that people can participate in online social and war games not by controlling digital avatars but by controlling living breathing people. Players can make these people do anything that they want. The inventer of the tech and the "games," Ken Castle, has become the richest man in the world. Thousands if not millions of people play his "games"

The two games he has produced are a social sim called Society and a brutal shooter called Slayers. In Society, people control the actions of their "avatars" in whatever sick and twisted ways they desire. They can force these people to rave, take drugs, imbibe alcohol, and even have sex against their will. The "avatars" while in the "game" have no control over their actions - total control is given to the "players" at what I can only expect is quite a sum of money. Total control is achieved with nanites which replace the "avatar's" brain cells and give the "players" a direct link through an IP address. Much like a computer that connects with the internet today. Frankly this sounds very much like SOP (Son's of the Patriots) from Metal Gear Solid 4, but I digress. While in control over the "avatars" the "players" can customize their appearance; which includes: outfits, hair, make-up, accessories, and anything else. Let me just say that these "players" are sick.

Slayers is more recent. In this game, "players" control death row inmates in a game akin to most shooters of today ( ie Army of Two, Gears of War, etc.) where they control and kill living beings using a traditional third person camera. In this "game" the "players" control these convicts for their freedom. IF the convicts can survive 30 matches, they will be freed from their sentence. "Players" can purchase upgrades for their "avatars" such as new weapons and body armor to ensure that their "avatar" survives. But when it comes down to it, its up to the "players" to ensure their "avatar" lives. One such "player" is Simon who controls the "avatar" Kable. Together they are only a few matches away from freedom. It turns out that "Kable" was framed so to speak, and is getting much further than Castle expected. Castle decides to kill Kable by any means necessary.

Not everyone is content with the Control developed by Ken Castle, in fact, there is a resistance cell calling themselves Humanz who are attempting to spread the truth about Castle's Control. Other characters include a talkshow host who is at first skeptical but realizes the truth and decides to help. Wait a minute...

A futuristic world, where convicts play in a game to win their freedom, yet the entire truth is kept from the public, and the one man who may win was framed. The creator of the game wants to kill that man just at the finish line, and there is a resistance group trying to go public with the truth and person working in television helps out. There's just something familiar about this plot. There's another story almost just like that. What was it? >cough< The Running Man.

That's right. Gamer is in fact an updated version of The Running Man which was originally written by Steven King under a pseudonym. The Running Man, for those who don't know, was about a man who was a helicopter pilot sent to prison for the massacre of innocent civilians, which he was framed of. After escaping, he runs into a woman who works in television, who believes the false charges. He is captured again, but this time is given the opportunity to participate in the world's most popular game show called The Running Man - which has criminals running through a maze in an abandoned city while being pursued and promising their freedom upon winning. During his run, he is chased by Stalkers who are trying to kill him and his fellow "contestants" which includes his friends from prison and the woman. They all know that he is innocent, and there is even a resistance group which is trying to show that the media is hiding the truth from the public. When it becomes evident that Ben Richards - the running man, is going to win, the media fake his death. However, Richards, manages to fight his way and confront the media and the creator of the game show, Killian, all the while exposing the truth about his so called crime and what the media has been doing.

Lets juxtapose this with Gamer. Kable - real name Tillman, was part of the early experiments of Castle's nanex control system. Castle controlled Tillman into killing someone, which gave Tillman a spot on death row. Castle then creates a game that grants prisoners their freedom if they win. Tillman does surprisingly well, and Castle sends in people specifically to kill him. A television hostess gets thrown into the fray when she decides to help Tillman and the resistance who are attempting to uncover Castles plot to control the entire world with his nanites. Along the way, they uncover the truth about Tillman's "crime", but not after Castle fakes Tillman's death when he was just seconds away from freedom. Tillman fights his way into Castle's HQ and confronts him, and with the help of the Hostess, reveals the truth to the world. Gamer, like The Running Man, ends with our hero killing the creator and freeing everyone from his control.

There are a few points in Gamer not from The Running Man, such as: the hero having a family on the outside which he is desperately trying to get to. And the whole Take over the world thing (of course) - in The Running Man, the world is already controlled by the media. Also the nanite control thing, which as I said, is more akin to Metal Gear. But it would make sense to get some inspiration from action shooter games. The use of save points, and an awesome heads up display for the "players" gives a sense of a real game that one might play. However, in this game you only get one life. (man that would have been a good tag line for this movie) It's mine now, you can't take it.

Visually, this movie is amazing. Society has bright high chroma colors and gives the feeling of a pop-style game, yet in Slayers the colors are muted, much more subdued and gritty, which really works for shooter games. High-tech and current tech weapons and equipment ad to the feel, as well as the customization of the "avatars"

This movie delves into the disturbing hobbies of gamers, and as a gamer myself, I am sad to say that there are people out their like that. I REALLY wanted the fat guy to get killed. I try to imagine that he did, what with the death squad showing up at his apartment.

Unlike The Running Man, Gamer shows a much more utopian future, but with the same problems. All in all, both movies are amazing, and culturally relevant to the times at which they were released. The Running Man, came at a time where game shows were king and everyone wanted the next awesome show with out-of-this-world gimmicks and outrageous contestants. Gamer was appropriate for its time due to the recent boom in video games.

But I think that both stem from the ideas introduced in one literary classic. That being, George Orwell's 1984. In which a utopian society is ruled by a totalitarian government by way of mass fear and constant monitoring. Everyone is constantly being watched by "Big Brother" and we must all think happy thoughts, or else we will disappear. FOUR FINGERS!

Anyway before I ramble on too long (too late) I must say that Gamer is an excellent retelling of an already great movie. It is The Running Man of this generation.

Day of the Hog

Happy Groundhog day everybody!

As you all know, today is the day in which we all pay attention to the actions of a groundhog. He/she awakes from hibernation and emerges from their den, if the groundhog sees their shadow they run back into their den. We somehow determine from his/her actions whether or not spring will come early or if we will have six more weeks of winter. I'm not sure how a groundhog seeing his/her shadow is more effective than sophisticated weather satellites and doppler radar and such, but what do I know.

But it doesn't make sense to me. If the groundhog sees their shadow should that not indicate anearly spring, since the sun is returning to the northern hemisphere.

Haiku

I just wrote a haiku

77

127

240

Random Joke Of The Week

What do you call a man who lives in a monastery and works on computers?

... A chip munk. :D

Power On - Episode 3 "What's So Funny About That?"

BEANiE has been missing for weeks, but KB and Francis have been making the best of it by watching sitcoms; but something goes awry, and they may be seeing their dear friend sooner than they think.