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Archived blogs page.


March 29, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 39 (week 143) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I haven't had a true best friend now in probably more than 20 years. This day is for you best friends. Maybe you have a song that you share, maybe a place or time; but to everyone who has had a best friend, or is lucky enough to have one now, be sure that they know. Celebrate each other while you can."

March 23, '11 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 38 (week 142) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I'm very super homesick lately, but I've no home, only the memory of what was. "

March 22, '11 - Tuesday - podcast 9: Rambling - Link / iTunes link
The ninth podcast for rabb1t's ramblings is up. I talk about Rift some more, Dragon Age 2, and other rambly things.
March 15, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 37 (week 141) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I am really beginning to think it's out of my power to change, that change will only come with real outside help."

March 14, '11 - Monday - Intel Sandy Bridge fixed
The issues with Sandy Bridge, aka socket 1155, have been fixed and parts are shipping again. Those who were waiting for the fix should find the parts you want in stock again. The system builds have been adjusted to reflect the new parts.
March 8, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 36 (week 140) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"Despite the little changes in my life I feel like my life is unchanging and still as stuck as it's ever been. "

March 8, '11 - Tuesday - podcast 8: the Present - Link / iTunes link
The eighth podcast for rabb1t's ramblings is up. I talk about the present, my Paladin in Rift, and opportunity (or lack thereof).
March 1, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 35 (week 139) - Link / Pic link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form. Also, picture series 20.

"My health seems... bad. I don't know how people of high blood pressure manage. Every time now when I walk my heart pounds and it feels... bad, and I get out of breath."

February 23, '11 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 34 (week 138) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"Today I feel fragmented, as if there are three different mes. ... I wonder, now that my soul has been shattered in such a way, if coming together again will ever be possible."

February 20, '11 - Sunday - podcast 7: the Future - Link / iTunes link
The seventh podcast for rabb1t's ramblings is up. I talk about the future; what games we look forward to and ramble about why developers may release on the schedules they release on.
February 15, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 33 (week 137) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"Just a few minutes ago I was thinking about my day. ... A few tears were shed and even now I feel like a few more may come."

February 11, '11 - Friday - podcast 6: Being Evil - Link / iTunes link
The sixth podcast for rabb1t's ramblings is up. Guard your soul, it is a podcast of evil!
February 8, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 32 (week 136) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"The huge news for today is that there was a super ginormous donation. (I'm still somewhat in shock as to the figure.) Not only does it get me enough to get a gaming laptop, but I'm $175 short of a very high-end one that would leave me wanting for nothing. "

February 8, '11 - Tuesday - Gaming laptop soon - Link
Very soon I can has gaming laptop! Thanks to many donations, when I purge my account to a critical level on the 24th I can get an Asus G73JH-X5 and will be able to not only game at higher settings, but also do my web work and podcasting stuff at high resolution, in addition to being able to watch my Blu-ray movies again.
February 5, '11 - Saturday - podcast 5: Life Online - Link / iTunes link
The fifth podcast for rabb1t's ramblings is up. It was originally not going up until Monday, but I decided to put it up now, so you're welcome. iTunes is being weird though and not responding normally. It doesn't appear to be seeing it yet so it may take a bit to show up there.
February 1, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 31 (week 135) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"Good news this morning. Someone at work dropped about 9 hours on me, so that can be put towards a gaming laptop. I may be close enough to get one very soon. We'll have to see. A few solid donations would do it, but I'm very close."

January 31, '11 - Monday - Intel has a boo boo
Word is quickly spreading around teh Internets that Intel found a boo boo with their new chipset. If you were planning on getting a new socket 1155 build, hold off until the end of February. While it's unlikely you'll be affected (a 5-15% on only 2 of 6 SATA ports), new/fixed chipsets are being worked on and will be on boards soon.
January 31, '11 - Monday - podcast 4: Soloing and grouping, rewards and recognition - Link / iTunes link
The fourth podcast for rabb1t's ramblings is up.
January 25, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 30 (week 134) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I got a donation, woot! It will be the first I get to talk about on the podcast. I've made up a 'pirates treasure' sound wav for it which I think is fun."

January 23, '11 - Sunday - podcast 3: Pay to Play - Link / iTunes link
The third podcast for rabb1t's ramblings has been submitted. This one released super fast, so don't get used to them being this quick.
January 19, '11 - Wednesday - podcast 2: crossing the Karanas - Link / iTunes link
The seconds podcast for rabb1t's ramblings has been submitted. This one went out earlier than the normal span between them because I wanted to get one out with the new mic so you could hear what would be my 'normal recording voice'.
January 18, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 29 (week 133) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"For once in a very long time, certainly as long as I can remember short-term, and rivaled only by one or two other days during the entire time I've been homeless, for once I feel like the fail week is ending on a positive note. The podcasts so far have gone as well as I expected, better in fact."

January 14, '11 - Friday - podcast 1: Introduction - Link / iTunes link
The first podcast for rabb1t's ramblings has been submitted! It should show up on iTunes I'd think within a day or two. However, if you absolutely can't wait to listen you can click the link to the podcast page and download it directly. (Though note that if you do this I won't be able to track the downloads like iTunes would.)

So strange hearing a me talking in third person.

Note that the icon that takes you to the page will now appear on all main pages and Epic Fail pages.

January 11, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 28 (week 132) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I feel like I'm the only one failing and that it's so unusual noone wants to be around me, noone wants to truly help to work towards a true and long-lasting solution. And my heart and chest ache. I feel as if someone smashed through my breastbone and tore out my heart. There is a great emptiness where I used to have love, laughter, and hope. Now I don't feel that anymore. I only feel the ache of what should be, sadness about what is, and frustration about what is not. "

January 9, '11 - Sunday - Generation 14 - Link
Okees, let your horses go. The generation 14 system builds are up.

January 6, '11 - Thursday - Intel's new socket is coming!
Everybody hold your horses for new builds. The new Intel socket stuffs are launching very very soon. I'm adjusting the pages as we go.

January 5, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 27 (week 131) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"It seems so strange that so many basic things seem so foreign to me. And in a way they are even scarey because I've not had them for so long."

January 1, '11 - Saturday - Wil Wheaton's Memories of the Futurecast - Link
If you don't know about it Wil Wheaton's "Memories of the Futurecast" can be hilarious. The podcast is Wil talking about his book, "Memories of the Future", which means it's got hilarity from the book and from the live podcast. It's basically like Wil Wheaton looking at ST: Next Gen like a high school yearbook and loling and telling stories.

The linked episode is actually episode 8, "Justice". I think it's the one that people who don't remember every single episode may remember the most from the early episodes.

December 31, '10 - Friday - Happy New Year
Happy New Year everybody! Be safe tonight and have fun.

December 31, '10 - Friday - iPhone 4 wallpapers - Link
I doubt there will be much interest, but joo can has some of my iPhone 4 wallpapers I use. There is a new button up top on the main pages (blog, my pc, systems, bio.)

December 28, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 26 (week 130) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"It seems sort of Xmas-like. There were nice presents and I feel "the spirit of Xmas" even though I'm not with the peeps who gave them to me. I suppose that is something pretty special. ... Today I feel so sad I just want to go to the ex-garage, be with my stuff, and cover myself with my blankets and cry until people genuinely want me in their lives and to help me get better and they come get me; even though I know that means I'll be alone in the ex-garage forever."

December 26, '10 - Sunday - iPhone 4 wallpapers - Link
I doubt there will be much interest, but joo can has some of my iPhone 4 wallpapers I use. I don't think I'll make a permanent menu button for it though as I expect very few will be interested in them.

December 26, '10 - Sunday - Happy hollidays
Have a happy Xmas and New Year holliday time everybody!

December 21, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 25 (week 129) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I want to be by the fire though; to have slept in a bed, to be drinking hot chocolate, to be watching shows lounging on the couch, to be playing games I only play on rare occasion, to have friends visit briefly to say hi and exchange gifts. But I can't. That isn't my life. As much as I've wished it to be it never has been. My life has always been... different. ... I wonder if this is the beginning of the end. My paths seem closed in life. My struggle, while not getting truly worse, constantly slowly decays around me. I wonder if the ache in my chest really is a broken heart, not just emotionally and spiritually but physically. I wonder if some day soon my broken heart will end me, and if anyone beyond my circle who follow my site and words will even notice that I'm gone."

December 14, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 24 (week 128) and Picture series 19 - Link / Pic link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form, as well as picture series 19.

"I think I'm heart broken. All the time just around my heart feels bad and aches. ... I think finding my dice again, making me feel like a whole gamer again, making presents people won't expect (in terms of what it is), and getting notice that I've got one coming for me, has made me feel... well... Xmasy; something I haven't really felt in I don't know how many years."

December 8, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 23 (week 127) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"While I occassionally am reminded that people do care and that I am helpful online, I remain without shelter, without a home, without friends I can laugh with and love, and in a time when everyone spreads hope and cheer I often wonder how much longer I will keep mine. Like a candle in the night the wick grows small, the fire dims, and it begins to wane and flicker."

December 5, '10 - Sunday - Penny Arcade D&D podcasts for teh lolz
Anyone who has ever played pen and paper D&D, or is playing now, will likely find these podcasts (done by the guys at Penny Arcade) to be absolutely hilarious. (These links are for the 'first cast'. They continued with a Dark Sun run with a slightly different cast, but I just didn't find it anywhere near as funny.)

Session 1; part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8

Session 2; part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8

Session 3; part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8

PAX Video Session (part 4 really); part 1, of ten total parts

December 3, '10 - Friday - Game watch ; Infinity Blade (iPhone) - Link
We don't know too much about Infinity Blade just yet, but it will be an RPG and it has incredible visuals. I'm betting it will be one of the most amazing (and hopefully most replayable) games for the iPhone in just about a week.

Why should I care?
There seem to be few RPGs for the iPhone, most of which are done in the old-school console style. Epic Games is going to be taking things way way way above the bar with Infinity Blade.

Why will it succeed?
Epic Games have been making awesome games for quite some time now.

Why could it fail?
The only reason I could see it failing is if it has extremely low replayablity or if it is extremely linear in nature. Since we know so little about the game so far other than it's an RPG and has amazing visuals it could fall into either trap.

What is the current release date?
December 9th, 2011.

November 10, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 22 (week 126) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"Last night a friendly student peep asked me what I was doing for turkey day. Obviously I was doing nothing. She said to come over for nom ... With not having enough for a gaming system I've no choice, and there is a certainty it won't be happening anytime soon on my own. The guild help was awesome, and even with donations pouring in at one, sometimes two a day, it didn't gather enough. I've got only $500 of the $800 needed, and the rest... well, the rest I don't earn. It won't be until my hours go up or get gift money during Xmas time that I will get more to put towards savings. ... The last time I was here, in this very spot, I was with company. Not just friendly company but a super cute, fun, attractive gamer girl. Now... now it seems so much lonelier, so much more sad to be here alone. There is noone to talk to, noone to laugh with, (although I didn't with the cute girl) noone to share my food with. The gaming day seems a distant fading memory now."

November 27, '10 - Sunday - Game watch ; FireFall - Link
FireFall is a MMOG for PC that incorporates FPS play style with traditional RPG character building and loot drops.

Why should I care?
If you enjoy FPS games and MMOG type character progression this is the game for you.

Why will it succeed?
It's one of the few games of its type. More importantly it has people on the development team who worked on World of Warcraft, and possibly more importantly Tribes, which was an extremely successful FPS game back when it launched, and the first to really start the entire online FPS genre.

Why could it fail?
There may not be a huge audience for this kind of game. There could be a reason why they haven't been pursued by developers. Also, not everyone is ok with the cell shading technique.

What is the current release date?
Unknown, 2011.


November 27, '10 - Sunday - Disney's Tangled - Official site Link
This may be one of the only movies I ever talk about. Disney's Tangled is a perfect movie for everyone! The 3D turns it into a Disneyland ride, the few musical scenes turn it into seeing a live musical (without being too much of a musical), the funny bits, of which there are many, turn it into a hilarious comedy, and of course, the romantic bits are great. Everyone should go see it. I'll be buying it the second it comes out on Blu-ray 3D.

Hope everyone had a happy and peaceful Turkey weekend!

November 10, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 21 (week 125) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form. I don't think there is anything super memorable save for a video of how I'm feeling. Donations are still stoped at the same level (65-68% of having enough), so I'm still close yet so far to getting a gaming laptop.

November 21, '10 - Sunday - ID Software's Rage for iPhone - Official site Link / Game Link / HD Game Link
Those looking forward to ID Software's newest game, Rage, can get a small taste if you own an iPhone. Easily one of the most beautiful games I've seen for the iPhone and the game play is superb. The trailer at the beginning gives you a taste of Rage's total world, though you only see a small bit of it in the game. (Though admittedly I've only played the first zone (on the HD version) and it looks like there are several to go through.)

November 10, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 20 (week 124) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form. Some exiting stuff this week due to the Gamer Day, but now the excitement is over, and it seems my donations have slowed to a hault. What was quite a boost in my funds towards a laptop seems to be back to something of an impossibility on my own until Summer. Maybe more donations will come, and I remain hopeful, but it seems my current source of help may have dried up.

November 14, '10 - Sunday - Trion World's Gamer Day coverage / the Rift Podcast 20 - Coverage Link / the Rift Podcast Link (specific #20 link posted monday afternoon)
On Thursday night, November 11th I went to a live gathering put on by Trion World for their upcoming game Rift: Planes of Telara. I decided to play news guy and posted news on the forum during the event, and took footage with my phone (which turned out surprisingly good. ) They were so impressed by what I did, and my previous/ongoing contributions in the forums, that they invited me to their HQ in Redwood City to play the game Friday and hang out with five other community members they had flown in for a few days for a special event. (Friday was the last day, so I only got a bit of time with them.) While I was there the peeps from the Rift Podcast wondered if we would all join them for their weekly podcast. Woah! So, you can hear teh crazy rabb1t talking about his experience in podcast #20, as well as peeping my coverage page and video footage. Also, since I do now have videos posted, I've added a YouTube link to (most of) my menu bars at my site and you can click that in the future to take you to my "channel."

November 10, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 19 (week 123) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form. Some people have gathered together to help me get money for a laptop. As of yesterday with donations and my money I have I'm up to about 50% of the way.

November 3, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 18 (week 122) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form. Nothing critical to quote for this week, just a lot of sad about not being able to get my gaming laptop and join new and old in-game friends.

October 31, '10 - Sunday - Spooky day
Hope everyone had a happy Halloween time.

October 27, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 17 (week 121) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

Instead of including a quote this week I have a special request. I work on this site because I love doing so. In doing so I hope that it helps people and makes them happy. If I have ever made you happy, either by my hardware recommendations, by my game or news announcements, by posts on boards, or by my words in Epic Fail let, me know. I've been feeling especially sad lately and could use a pick-up, and you can help. Feel free to let me know how I helped make you happy by dropping me an email (the link is in the upper right corner in the Flash portion of the menu to avoid bots), or feel free to send a donation by clicking the link to the left. Any donation, however small or large, could be put towards another blanket and my laptop savings and help me get back into the gaming world I love so much that much sooner.

Currently due to my homeless situation I've basically been unable to game for years (save for brief periods now and then, typically in a limited fashion) and it's really been making me very very sad lately. Any words of encouragement or help in getting a gaming laptop would be greatly appreciated. (Edit 10/31: I'll soon have $200 of an $800 laptop that would allow me to be happily gaming again and able to rejoin my online friends in-world.)

Thanks in advance for any pick-me-ups you send. I know my site and board posting has helped to make people happier over the years, and I hate to ask for anything in return, as I expect nothing in return, but I've been so terribly sad lately it's really beginning to affect me and I could use a hug.

October 20, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 16 (week 120) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"The docs words keep echoing in my head. I know this terrible journey was taking a high emotional toll and a physical one was only a matter of time, but death like this? I always thought death, if it were to come, would be from lack of food, catching a cold from the elements that progressed to where I couldn't heal, possibly slipping away in my sleep due to the cold of a winter night, or from an angry person discovering me and beating me up and murdering me. But by my body dying from what is effectively a broken heart? It makes me feel like crying, and I did for a few minutes."

October 19, '10 - Tuesday - AMD, formerly ATi, series 6 launch any day now - Link
The next generation of AMD cards are ready to go. Launch should be any day now, possibly next week. The series will launch with the 6870 and 6850. While the numbers imply a higher placement in the series these look to replace AMD's current mainstream 5770, 5830, and 5850 power levels.

October 13, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 15 (week 119) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I got a car today. It was a bit more towards pricy than not, but it's one I'll love. ... Even though I've found a new $800 gaming laptop that would do just fine, it seems I can't afford even that low of a price. It seems all life plans, hopes, and wishes will again be completely on hold."

October 6, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 14 (week 118) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"My hours got cut again.... Unless I get a super cheap car a laptop is going to be an impossibility, even with finding a new one that's only $800. What I have after getting the car will be about all I have."

September 29, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 13 (week 117) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form. Almost got a few different cars, but it seems to have completely fallen through. What's with all the flakes?

September 21, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 12 (week 116) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form. Almost got a car, but it seems to have completely fallen through. It goes around and around.

September 15, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 11 (week 115) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"The only thing of significance today is that I lost my wiggly tooth. I went to eat a sandwich and with the first bite it just popped right out."

September 7, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 10 (week 114) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"It was odd to think about them though. Why were they out? (They are the type to never leave the house.) Were they going food shopping? Shopping somewhere else? To see friends? Will they go back home and spend their day there or will they do something fun like so many others are today? Once upon a time I'd known the answers to these questions. It doesn't matter I suppose since I'm not a part of their lives anymore. But it reminded me of my own day. ... Not much to say about my day save for that it would not be what my day would have been in a home. While it won't be without joy, it will be greatly diminished in all senses."

September 7, '10 - Tuesday - Generation 13
New system builds are up. No major changes, just a few tweaks to SSD, graphic card models, and a few monitor changes.

September 1, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 9 (week 113) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"Lately my brain has been in a weird place. I don't seem to be remembering my old routines anymore. Things commonplace, like the teens getting lunch, seem long forgotten. I watched some of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along blog when surfing boards earlier. Like the teens, I'd forgotten that I used to watch shows all the time when surfing boards with a little picture-in-picture on my monitor. It too seemed strange and foreign, not like part of a life I once lived, but more like a piece of a long forgotten show that I'd only seen once long ago."

August 31, '10 - Tuesday - Eyefinity seekers rejoice! - Link
As of yesterday a DisplayPort to DVI (single link) converter is on its way to market. "Why is this important?" you ask. There are several reasons. Most importantly every LCD on the market today uses a DVI connection, while only a few use DisplayPort. Also, the ones which do use DisplayPort are more expensive, in some cases as much as double. This makes the move to Eyefinity, which uses three monitors, much much more affordable. Now you can use monitors that cost half as much, get an adaptor for the one which requires it be run off the DisplayPort, and then you are on your way for about $650 instead of roughly $1500 for monitors of comparable size. Those who are hunting for bargains or catching a sale may be able to eek in for under $500 total.

August 24, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 8 (week 112) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"Woot, I got my iPhone. Happy early birthday me. "

August 17, '10 - Tuesday - Mobile friendly menu
Those of you on mobile devices may notice you can see nearly all of the menu now. The only remaining bits in flash are my cute bunny logo and a new "info block" which may contain things like my 3 most recently played games, game watch, or other info. Currently the info block is still being worked on, so it will only contain an email link for the moment. (I don't want that non-flash or I'll quickly get spammed by web crawling bots. It's happened before.)

Also, there is a button to go to my Facebook page. I always wondered why I didn't get more fan adds. Now I realize why; I only mentioned it once ever in my blog, and it never appeared in the menu. Now it's there for all to easily see and find.

August 17, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 7 (week 111) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"It's about 8 at work. I saw a mouse in the office. He was so tiny and cute. I turned to put my headphones down and go say hi, but when I turned back he was gone. No sign of him or any mousey tunnel paths. I was disappointed. I wanted to get a picture or video for you to see. He's gone. No sign of him. Just a mouse. Much like me he has to disappear when seen. But all he wants is to live, to eat, and to have a happy and safe home. Something all of us want. I wish him well and a happy life. I wonder where he went. "

August 10, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 6 (week 110) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I guess, even though I've been feeling less sad lately, I've been feeling a lot like her these days. I'm hiding in bushes not knowing who to trust or where to go, just looking for a safe haven from the cold and the rain. (Though it's not raining now it was when the kitty was there.) I have noone who loves me and no home of my own. I don't know how long it will be before I do. ... Although I hope I have my remaining estimated nearly 50 years left, I often feel like the kitty. I feel alone, scared, without shelter, don't know who to really trust, and wonder if I will ever find a place I belong again, or if I will simply be alone in pain until I fade away from something I can't understand."

August 9, '10 - Monday - Game watch ; Shadow Era - Link / Facebook link
Shadow Era is an upcoming Collectable Card Game on the PC, Mac, and Mobile (iPhone, iPad, iTouch, Android). There are extremely few collectable card games out there, even fewer for mobile devices, and this one looks like it could be a great one.

Why should I care?
If you are into collectable card games you already know why you should care. Since this is one that can be carried with you on your high-end phone that makes it even cooler.

Why will it succeed?
If done well, it will be one of only a very small number of collectable card games, and to my knowledge the only true collectable card game for mobile.

Why could it fail?
There is a reason why CCGs fail and there aren't very many. Even good collectable card games can fail long-term if they aren't supported with new card pack expansions and a lack of a solid player base to play against.

What is the current release date?
Unfortunately I can't seem to find one, but they are currently in beta testing, so it shouldn't be long.

August 3, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 5 (week 109) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I guess the only real difference is that now I've fallen back down. What were all my hopes and dreams at the start of the fail year, what was possible garage life that was later reduced to visiting non-family life, has now all reverted to what it was last year. I've lost the shelters I had, I've lost (some of) the upgrades I was planning. What started as a fail year that looked very hopeful has crumbled to the dust that it's always been. Here I thought this would be the year of change right from the start."

July 28, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 4 (week 108), complete - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

July 25, '10 - Sunday - Epic Fail book 3, week 4 (week 108), partial - Link
The portion of week 108 that exists up to this point is updated. (Sunday @ 10:30 PM.) My time at the not-home is at an end. I don't know when I'll be able to update the site again. As per previous posts, it could be I can't update again from a public location and have to wait until I'm back in a car and can visit C&H.

July 20, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 3 (week 107), final - Link / Pic link
The portion of week 107 that exists up to this point is updated. (Tuesday @ 2:45 PM.) While more sad and thoughts may happen, I expect this will close out the fail week. I don't know if I'll be able to do any Epic Fail (or other) posts until I get back into a car and can go to C&H's place. Again, I think all the public access points I use block file upload, so we may not get another week of fail up until I get back into a car in roughly 2-3 weeks time.

July 18, '10 - Sunday - Another update - Link / Pic link
The portion of week 107 that exists up to this point is updated. (Sunday @ 4 PM.) I also put up the portion of picture series 16 so you can see what's going on from this week. I don't know if I'll be able to do any Epic Fail (or other) posts until I get back into a car and can go to C&H's place. I think all of the public access points block upload. Bear with me if I go dark for a while. Email if you like.

July 17, '10 - Saturday - Epic Fail book 3, week 3 (week 107), emergency excerpts - Link
There has been a total disaster. My car is dead. I am now completely homeless. The portion of week 107 that exists up to this point is up.

July 13, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 2 (week 106) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I know in only a few weeks the fear will return. What can be visible in the car, what can't be, will I be seen at the old spot, can I still be invisible, can I hide at school and try and sleep in during the mornings; all these questions and old fears return."

July 7, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 1 (week 105) - Link
The start of Epic Fail book 3 is up in web and .pdf form.

"I got my netbook. I loves me my new netbook. ... I still feel more odd than sad lately about my homelessness, but that's likely just due to the excitement of my upgrades. I have a very strange feeling that once we hit the end of July when I'm back on the street that the overwhelming sadness will return. Even now there are times I feel like crying even though I know, at least for now, I have shelter."

July 4, '10 - Sunday - 4th of July
Happy American pew pew day everybody!

June 30, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 2, week 53 (week 105), final day of year/book 2 - Link
The final day of year 2 of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form. Next Tuesday the remainder of week 105 will be posted.

June 29, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 2, week 52 (week 104) and picture series 15 - Link / pic link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form. Be sure to check back in a few days for the final day of year 2.

"Today has been a strange day. I slept at C&H's last night in the bed and started my day there as well. Most of yesterday and half of today I had a normal life. At 4 I had to move here and ever since I've been getting more and more sad. I've only three more weeks of shelter here. After that I'm back to being homeless outside of my time at C&H's. I may, at times, be able to go to the mall or to the library, but much of my nights and weekdays I'll be back on the streets."

June 28, '10 - Monday - July system recs
New system recommendations are up for July. Mostly minor changes, nothing huge.

June 22, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 2, week 51 (week 103) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I'm getting frustrated with my netbook lately. After being on the desktop with a landline again I find myself rapidly frustrated by the low resolution and jerkiness in most of even the lowest resolution videos when watching things online; plus the fact that it's crippled for gaming. ... The new netbook I'm looking at getting has a new version out. ... I did a bill plan over the next few paychecks and I'm fine to get it in one and a half weeks. It will hopefully come before the 4th of July weekend. "

June 20, '10 - Sunday - dadz daiye
Happy dad's day to the dad peeps.

June 15, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 2, week 50 (week 102) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"The world has changed around me and I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I don't know why I can't seem to find a break at a normal job and normal life again. I know I'm smart(ish), funny, helpful, generous, and a good person in general, but I can't help but wonder if something is cosmically wrong with me, something so wrong with my soul that reality bends around me to avoid me. I can't help but feel like I'm being punished and not told why or being given a way back out."

June 11, '10 - Friday - Game watch ; Rift: Planes of Telara - Link / Article link
Rift is an upcoming MMOG on the PC with some interesting features. They have a built in system for split-classing, as well as dynamic content.

Why should I care?
Split-classing isn't really something we see in MMOGs. Only a few games have allowed for it, and often times it can be limited or restricted in nature. In Rift we have been given the promise that we will be free to split however we want. There are also rumors that the classes themselves will be very diverse, at a count of roughly 32 so far. I myself am holding out hope for split classing Warrior and Rogue and getting that just right mix of stealth, sneak attack, yet somewhat heavier armor so I can survive when the critters turn to face me. Also, something like a Paladin / Bard split for party buffing and possible role-playing sounds pretty intriguing. Also, there will be dynamic content. The game engine has specifically been designed so encounters will spawn in various places. That town you visit one week may actually not be there the next. Though I'm sure there will be a few areas that are semi-permanent so players don't become totally lost feeling.
Edit 6/15: It has been announced that split-classing won't quite be as flexible as I originally hoped. It seems there are the four traditional archetypes, and you are locked into classes of that type. Something like a Paladin / Bard split may still be possible, if Paladin is put into the Cleric category (and I'm guessing Bard will go there as well), while something like Warrior / Rogue will be impossible.

Why will it succeed?
There are never guarantees in the MMOG space, but the game is being developed by a very knowledgeable staff. Every member of the development team has experience with MMOGs or console game development.

Why could it fail?
Well, it is yet another MMOG in an otherwise already crowded space. Also, if dynamic content isn't handled properly we could get a ho-hum theme park feel that we've seen in other games which have attempted dynamic content.

What is the current release date?
No date has been officially stated, but I'd put bets on a mid-2011 launch.

June 10, '10 - Thursday - 3D updates - Link
Some 3D updates were done to my home entertainment page.

June 8, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 2, week 49 (week 101) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I'm still very worried about the coming days, but I'm trying to just focus on today, while I still have a place to stay. I guess the near future won't be quite as bad as predicted, as the not-sis isn't leaving her current place until mid July. That means once I have to leave C&H's I would at least have a safe haven to park and sleep in my car without worry about police or neighbors. It won't be comfortable, my life will still be squozen into a few bags in my car, I won't have access to any games that can't be played on my netbook, but it won't be a full step to homeless car life."

June 1, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 2, week 48 (week 100) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I'm so sad now. It's early evening and there was some terrible news. C&H went to give the landlord person his check today and apparently he's found out that I've been here a while and he was grumpy about it. ... The thought of packing up what little I have here, putting my computer back in storage, putting my movies back in storage, being on the streets again... is terribly depressing. ... it looks like I may be back on the street again very soon. "

May 25, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 2, week 47 (week 99) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I wish a lot of aspects of today could have gone differently, but I did have my games, had some fun with C&H, and all things considered I guess things are pretty good for what my life is these days."

May 19, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 2, week 46 (week 98) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"C replied and, as I thought, putting me in the garage is possible. She said they would even try and make an official space for me so I could set up my computer in there if I wanted. ... I guess we'll see soon enough. Changes will start happening in about a month and a half, and I can stay on the couch if I lose the office sleeping space in the meantime."

May 18, '10 - Tuesday - BFG Tech exits the graphics card market
In somewhat shocking news, BFG Tech has announced they are pulling out of the graphic card market. They claim it is no longer profitable for them. This is shocking to me as they were one of the top manufacturers, and one of the few to offer more than lifetime coverage. I am very sad to see them go, as I know there was much love for them in the graphics market.

May 14, '10 - Friday - Portal for teh free - Link
Until May 24th you can download Portal for teh free. (It will still work after the 24th.)

May 12, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 2, week 45 (week 97) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I certainly don't want to hinder anyone's progress. People are moving forward with their lives, with family, with jobs, finding love, yet my life stands still.

I don't really know what to say for today. With the looming threat of being totally homeless and in my car again nothing else I did today seems important or worthy of talking about. My feelings of being scared for my future are again starting to return. Nearly two years now and I'm still in no better a position to be re-established. I'm still earning only enough to barely squeak by. I still have found no new people to help me. And nothing I do seems to be genuinely improving my chances."

May 5, '10 - Wednesday - the Agency: Covert Ops - Link
For those of you like me waiting for the Agency, who have Facebook, you can play a Facebook game that uses Agency elements. Hopefully this means Sony is getting closer to completing the Agency. It seems so rare that we hear news about the Agency.

May 4, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 2, week 44 (week 96) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"My ankle seems to be getting worse. My poor ankle feels... bad(?) much of the time now. I had a thought though - it may not be caused by the accident at all. It could indeed be genetics. But not genetics in the sense of 'it has been slowly getting more and more off throughout my life', but that it is a ganglion. I had one in my wrist when I was like 10, and my mom had them often. I'd completely forgotten about that."

May 2, '10 - Sunday - Generation 11
The next generation of system recommendations are up. Although the last generation was done only one month ago, AMD launched 6 core CPUs, so those are now in a few recommendations.

April 27, '10 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 2, week 43 (week 95) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"Last night I took the towels off the bed. I'd been using them as blankets, but I have plenty of blankets. It's odd to think that I'd just kept using them out of habit from when I was sleeping in my car. You'd normally never think to use towels as blankets. It still feels like I may be putting them back in the car to sleep on any given day. What with putting the bed away each day and putting all my blankets away I still feel like I'm hiding, like instead of hiding that I'm sleeping in my car I'm hiding that I'm sleeping at C&H's. I know I'm indeed not living there, but still. It would be nice to feel like I belonged somewhere. While I do have a place to sleep for now my journey's end seems to still be nowhere in sight."

April 21, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 2, week 42 (week 94) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I continue to be hopeful about the future, yet find myself at the end of yet another week wondering if the chaos will ever settle."

April 16, '10 - Friday - Sony returns - Link
Sony's 2010 monitors are reasonably priced compared to the competition. They have returned to my home entertainment page recommendations.

April 14, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 2, week 41 (week 93) - Link / Pic link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form. Also, picture series 14.

"Also my ankle feels bad, as if I'd been walking all day or twisted it recently. Hopefully it's just my imagination and I'm being overly sensitive to it, but I really should set up a time to have it looked at at the free clinic now that I know of one that should be willing to see me."

April 7, '10 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 2, week 40 (week 92) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"About 45 minutes each way and $900 later I had my replacement car. I felt sick and sad. It wasn't under the circumstances I wanted to get it under. It wasn't really at all what I like in terms of looks. It smells funky. I practically fall down when getting in it's so low. One mirror is busted off and needs to be replaced. The paint is all faded. I didn't want to put C&H out of their car any longer though. That's sad and not ok.

Much like everything else in my life the car was done in a way I didn't want, and isn't what I'd have chosen on my own. It's serviceable, but that's about it. I had little to no choice in taking it. It had to be done, and it was the only one I could afford in money or time."

April 4, '10 - Sunday - New systems
System recommendations have been changed. It isn't a full generational change, so I've named it "Generation 11+1" as I really only added a rank 5 system.

April 4, '10 - Sunday - Bunnah day!
Happy bunnah day everybody!


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