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March 31, '12 - Saturday - podcast 49: Retro / GeForce Meet-Up - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about playing older games. I talk about retro gaming and re-made games. I talk about my experience at the Nvidia GeForce GTX Meet-Up; Nvidia 3D Vision 2, PhysX. My thoughts on the Mass Effect ending, what may be done to change it, and how the fact that everyone has been so affected by it is a big deal.
March 29, '12 - Thursday - Nvidia GeForce GTX Meet-Up No. 1 - Link
Last night I attended the Nvida GeForce GTX Meet-Up No. 1. My videos for the event are all up on my YouTube channel.
March 27, '12 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 39 (week 195) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"I am in the dark hiding for the night. I feel like crying. All I want is to have my room again with my stuff out around me instead of boxed up; bed ready to sleep on, and my desktop and home theater stuff ready to go. I just want my regular life and regular freedoms back. Things seem so sad for me and I don't know if they will ever be happy again. "

March 24, '12 - Saturday - podcast 48: Random topics - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about being careful not to be a pest when talking to others. I talk about the new Nvidia flagship card the GTX 680, and AMD's mid-range cards the 7870 and 7850. I talk about what I think would be a good 'top 10' for improving multiplayer in Mass Effect 3. And I have a hardware tip about your microphone settings to improve how you sound to others that you play with.
March 22, '12 - Thursday - Nvidia series 6 launch; the GTX 680
Today Nvidia launched the first of the series 6 cards, the GTX 680. It has re-taken the performance crown by an impressive margin. As expected, they have re-designed the chip so it can run triple monitor from a single card. They even went one step beyond that and have designed it to use four monitors on a single card with three running the game and one running non-gaming desktop applications; thus you can run a chat program or hint site. What is more impressive is that they have matched AMD in terms of power consumption and heat generation, something AMD had always been much more efficient at.

Would I recommend people buy a GTX 680? Well, that's a tough question to answer. I really wouldn't recommend anyone spend that much unless you want to go triple monitor. (And typically due to the ram useage with triple monitor it is often better to not go single GPU.) I think most people are mainstream and will want to wait for the GTX 660 and 670 launch (guessing at the model numbers.) While I will adjust my system recommendations so a few have the GTX 680, but I think only those who really don't have to worry about budget will want to run right out to get one.

As it was in previous years, it is looking like bunny day may be a very good time to consider a new build. By then your choices for cards for both Nvidia series 6 and AMD series 7 should be plentiful and prices should be settled down a bit.

March 20, '12 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 38 (week 194) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

Poor quality voice chat makes bunnah angry and sad.

March 17, '12 - Saturday - podcast 47: Too much, too little - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk a bit about some addendum thoughts to podcast 46. I talk about an online experience and thoughts about playing a game as intended vs. how you want. I talk about a few games that I never, or haven't finished, due to there being too much play time for me. Email question; where do I get my music and how do I choose which to use? I talk about the recent news about Guild Wars 2 pre-purchase and Diablo 3's release date. In my close I talk about Mass Effect 3, just the right amount of content, or too little?
March 13, '12 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 37 (week 193) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

Some highs and lows this Fail week. Similar to last week I'm have fun with Mass Effect 3 multiplayer , but along with that come the sad reminders of my limitations and troubles in life. It seems I see and hear about what things people are moving on to, seeing them making new connections, yet my life remains stagnant and it seems I may never have a normal life again.

March 10, '12 - Saturday - podcast 46: rambling about Mass Effect 3 - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about my time in Mass Effect 3 so far. I start with rambling about the single player game. I talk a bit about the new characters. I talk about what more there is in multiplayer compared to the demo and playing with friends compared to random pickup people. My thoughts on buying multiplayer kits vs. only using money you gain from the fights. Grumpiness about a few bad customer service experiences lately.
March 7, '12 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 36 (week 192) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

Some highs and lows this Fail week. I'm having lots of fun with old and new online friends playing Mass Effect 3 multiplayer , but along with that come the sad reminders of my limitations and troubles in life.

March 3, '12 - Saturday - podcast 45: the Hero - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I make a few more notes about the podcast style. I talk about how in some games the hero is overpowered and thoughts about how this may make the player feel in relation to their own lives. I talk about how in other games the hero is not overpowered. And I talk about my fun with Mass Effect 3 multiplayer.
February 28, '12 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 35 (week 191) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

Another homeless week where I'm more sad than not. "Those of you who have little ones, or loved ones who are not yet starting a family, take a few moments to remember how lucky you are, and how truly special that is."

February 25, '12 - Saturday - podcast 44: Leet day - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about rambly thoughts about the new Playstation Vita (and handhelds in general). Rambly thoughts about what makes a good game. Thoughts that "day one" downloadable content doesn't seem ok to me. Thoughts about how developers seem to be attacking gamers for what's going on with the secondary market. In the close I talk about The Secret World's launch date, Guild Wars 2 beta weekend, and good news about the cookie posing incident.
February 21, '12 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 34 (week 190) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

This week the terrible cookie post incident, as mentioned in podcast 43.

February 18, '12 - Saturday - podcast 43: Bytes of bits - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about what was one of the most defining gaming moments for me. I talk about differences you may hear in recording locations. I talk about my thoughts on the Mass Effect 3 demo. And I tell a sad story about what I call the cookie post incident.
February 14, '12 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 33 (week 189) and picture series 27 - Link / Pic link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 and picture series 27 is up in web and .pdf form.

A few good things this week, but overall my life is unchanged, and I feel sad, alone, and begin/continue to seriously doubt I will ever recover.

February 11, '12 - Saturday - podcast 42: Life, the Universe, and Reckoning - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about the current state of my sad life to get people current. I talk about some of the changes in the Diablo 3 beta (though much of it still isn't yet implemented.) I talk about upcoming changes in gaming; thoughts on companions, story driven games, shooter advancements, and the upcoming AMD / Nvidia graphic card launches. And I talk about Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. I give out my second ever dummy head award to EA for Origin.
February 7, '12 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 32 (week 188) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"The game is only 28% done loading, so I have a bit before it's ready, but today I have a fun new game, I made cuties smile, and I am a bit smiley, so today is pretty good. "

January 31, '12 - Tuesday - podcast 41: Horror in a modern world - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about something I called "game watch" that I started on the site several years ago, but haven't used in 1.25 years. I do the first podcast game watch on The Secret World. I talk a bit about dying in single player games compared to MMOGs.
January 31, '12 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 31 (week 187) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"I'm glad to know he's doing well and succeeded in life. But it makes me wonder. How far off am I from such a life? I'm pretty sure I'm a few years older, certainly older than most start a family and have kids, some my age even have newborn grandchildren. Will I ever see such a life? Will I ever be able to build any new desktop systems for myself ever again? Will I recover at all? Lately it seems unlikely and that I'll never recover at the rate I'm going. "

January 29, '12 - Sunday - System recommendations, generaion 17 - Link
New system recommendations are up. There is some weirdness with physical hard drive prices, so a few of the HD / SDD changed. I think it looks like we are nearing a time where gamers just don't want to consider standard hard drives anymore. Well, those who don't have a lot of pron / other media and are ok with smaller drive space.
January 29, '12 - Sunday - Game Watch : The Secret World - Official site link / Video walkthrough
It looks like it's been about 1.25 years since my last game watch, but I was thinking about it the other day and even though my regular blog and podcast ramblings sort of serve the same purpose, I don't always go into the same depth that the spirit the game watch used to have. So, here you go, the first game watch in quite some time. For those who don't see this but do listen to the podcast I'll be duplicating it there.

Game: The Secret World
Type: Action MMOG
Developer: Funcom
Distributor: EA Games
Platform(s): PC / Xbox 360
Release: April, 2012

What is it? A modern times MMOG set in a world where secret societies know the truth; monsters are real.

Why is it important? This would be the first modern day MMOG that I know of. It blends tech in the form of modern weapons, magic, and fantasy elements, but they add a new twist, like earth elementals are made of concrete and have wrecking balls, and vampires wear trench coats, goggles, hats and wraps so they can be out during the day.

What makes the game design special? Funcom is introducing a new classless system where you can pick seven active and seven passive skills from a reported 500+ total. Experience you gain allows you to unlock more skills, allowing you to specialize in the path you've chosen, or to generalize by taking skills from different groups. Additionally the game will not have levels, meaning, theoretically, you can always group with your friends, and a more experienced character simply has more options as opposed to traditional MMOGs where they move to more and more restricted content.

Why is it going to pwn? The fact that there are no levels and no classes has the opportunity to introduce unprecedented levels of freedom for players. The limitation of skills and abilities will introduce a new element to MMOGs. (Players like me who dislike whack-a-mole may feel right at home with a more collectable card game style of skill/ability choice.) Additionally, they are drawing on myths and lore that is familiar, yet putting a modern / different spin on the tales. They are introducing a real-world element in the form of investigation of people and places that tie back into the game.

Why could it fail (game design)? Since the game is designed for non-leveled play, even though it likely will be tiered, it may turn out feeling 'flat' and short on content. Additionally, players may feel overwhelmed or confused by the lack of classes, or simply follow a flavor of the month. Funcom is including 'archetypes', which will give players skill templates, to help alleviate this, but many may ignore this feature. The real-world tie-ins may feel too much like homework and be ignored by much of the player base.

Why could it fail (developer)? Funcom doesn't have the greatest history lately. Age of Conan, it's muchly hyped "adult MMOG" rapidly lost elements that made it adult. For years AoC was shown with nudity and gore and all their marketing and press revolved around this fact. Within months of launch the nudity was removed and much of the gore turned down. (Some elements of nudity were even removed during the last few months of beta right before launch.) Additionally, Funcom did not listen to the beta testers, and it was released with extremely little content and extremely repetitive game play. Players were grinding rapidly and the revolutionary combat design fell flat and felt uninteresting to players. Anarchy Online met with similar complaints from the player base starting with patch 12.4, which was, if I recall correctly, within the first 4 months post-launch. This patch greatly slowed down the experience rate (to roughly 25% of the speed it was before) and introduced game changing re-balance which upset the PvP community so much that nearly every high-end guild canceled and left the game. Additionally, when patch 12.4 released it broke the game and made 99% of all monsters invulnerable to damage, wiping out hundreds of players and guards (who could be level 100 when the player level cap was level 50). The game was not only not rolled back immediately, but the community was told it would have to wait until Funcom's four day national holiday weekend was over. (A holiday that was local, not global.) It wasn't until several days after the holiday that anything was done to correct the horrible patch bug.

Personal opinion / thoughts: I've been following TSW since its announcement. My forum account dates back all the way to 2008. I am very excited to see a modern day set MMOG that looks like it will do everything right that Hellgate: London did wrong. The engine running TSW is a variant of what was used in AoC, and the visuals it can generate are simply stunning. The "skill wheel" looks very cool, and it will be a great relief to me to be able to play a game with collectable card game style skill choice instead of the whack-a-mole MMOGs have so often turned to. I do have great hesitation due to Funcom's recent history with AoC, as well as their lack of customer support over the past, well, 11+ years. There was extremely little content and players were hitting max level in a matter of real world days. While TSW won't have levels, I do have the same concern that content will only be the half dozen or so areas they show at their site. TSW could be a game that would make me happy in the MMOG space, but the question is will it have enough content, and will I feel unique enough yet still retain the feeling of being useful/helpful to a group/others?

January 24, '12 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 30 (week 186) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

More sad than not this week, but nothing's really changed.

January 21, '12 - Saturday - podcast 40: Rambly bits - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about what I did not put in the last podcast about why I play games. I talk about how, through gaming, we can sometimes feel like just an average person, able to succeed, and in control. I talk about how I like achievements, and wonder if they are important to have in games from now on. I talk about what a guild or clan is. I talk about what annoys me about most MMOGs, and how you wind up playing the hotkey bar not the game. I talk about how awesome the Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning demo is.

This podcast wasn't 'due' for another week, but since it's done and ready, and I has a sad about the terribad sounding one, I decided to release it early.

January 17, '12 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 29 (week 185) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

Sadness about my recent bad audio quality on podcast 39. Almost got a car, but there was weirdness.

January 16, '12 - Monday - podcast 39: Terribad sounding podcast - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about how I like story in gams. I talk about how the game design can sometimes get so in the way of the story it makes me stop playing. I talk about how games have changed over time and what I've liked about them in the various times. I talk about changes in my life that alter my recording times and locations.

The good news is I'm putting it up early. It's not scheduled to go up until Wednesday. The bad news is that half of it sounds pretty terrible and the other half sounds mildly terrible. I has a sad about it.

January 10, '12 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 28 (week 184) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"I can no longer imagine what life would be like for me when I'm no longer homeless. I no longer know who I am. I know what I do, but that is not who I am."

January 9, '12 - Monday - AMD series 7
AMD's first series 7 card, the 7970 is now listed. However, they are showing out of stock at NewEgg, so this may still be a "paper launch" for the time being. Reviews are showing it eeks out as the top card a bit over the Nvidia GTX 580. Looks like AMD may hold the crown for a while, as Nvidia's high-end series 6 card isn't due until later in the year.
January 7, '12 - Saturday - podcast 38: Goodbye and Hello - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I say goodbye to 2011; what I played and got caught up on. I say hello to 2012 and talk about what I'm looking forward to and why. I talk a bit more about Star Wars: The Old Republic and Diablo III. I talk a bit about having a good mouse and keyboard.
January 3, '12 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 27 (week 183) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"But it was sad not to have friends, to not have family, to not have a party to go to, or somewhere others felt that I belonged. I felt like an alien from another world, observing a culture I was not allowed to join."

December 28, '11 - Tuesday - podcast 37: Milestone - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about changing my mind and deciding to pick up Star Wars: The Old Republic. I talk about how game playing and game interaction has changed over the years. I talk about my thoughts on collector editions. I talk about my experience so far with SW:TOR post-release; specifically about being forced to play on the Empire side, crafting, and companions. And I mention something cool I saw in the Diablo 3 beta that I hadn't seen mentioned in other places.
December 28, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 26 (week 182) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

Some good days, but mostly extra sad days for bunnah due to the holidays.

December 20, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 25 (week 181) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

Lots of depression this week. I decided to pick up Star Wars: The Old Republic.

December 15, '11 - Thursday - podcast 36: Xmasy time special - Link / iTunes link
There has been some trouble and random lockups with my system lately, so I'm getting this out super early, just in case.

In this podcast I wish everyone a happy Xmas time. I talk about what traditions I used to have. I talk about how I think sharing is an important part of gaming. Don't be afraid to try new or different things during the holidays, you never know what you may find.

December 13, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 24 (week 180) - Link / Pic link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form. Also, picture series 26 (though there isn't much to see.)

"I feel so out of shape, unhealthy, fatter, and sad about, well, everything. "

December 10, '11 - Saturday - podcast 35: Statistically significant - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about looking forward to Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning and thinking backwards to Skyrim, Fallout, and others. I had the time to look up what exactly Child's Play does. This hardware tip is to protect your junk; get some anti-virus / anti-spyware software. I talk about a gift Jenesee sent me and appreciation. In the close I have some thoughts to remember during gift receiving.
December 6, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 23 (week 179) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"I've been feeling sick. Not from my tooth having the dull ache of something being stuck there not from lack of sleep, but something else I think. I feel so very sad and alone lately. I know people out there care for me and want to see me get better and get back to a normal life, but I feel so very alone."

December 3, '11 - Saturday - Updates
There haven't been any requests for my opinion on home theater stuff in forever. The home entertainment page has gotten more than one year behind at this point, and with my sad life I just don't have the motivation (or enough time on a fast connection) to really keep up with a page that noone ever visits. It's been removed as well as the button links. Someday, if I can ever do my rabb1t stuffs "full time" then it may return. Until then if you do want teh rabb1t opinion on home entertainment just ask and I can do some looking around.
December 1, '11 - Thursday - 38 Studios / Big Huge Games MMOG? - Link
Could this interactive map at www.amalur.com be the first sign of the upcoming 38 Studios / Big Huge Games MMOG?
December 1, '11 - Thursday - Updates - Link
Due to needing new headphones I've updated the headphone section. Also, since tech is out now for Nvidia 3D Vision 2 I updated that section, as well as the rank 5 system recommendation (it needed links for the 3D Vision items.)
November 30, '11 - Wednesday - podcast 34: Some super friends - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about playing Batman: Arkham City, giving a brief overview of the differences between it and Arkham Asylum. I talk about how having online friends is new to me, and is a positive change overall in how people interact. I close with a few Xmas buying thoughts.
November 29, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 22 (week 178) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

Lots of bad tooth/jaw pain this week.

November 24, '11 - Thursday - Neverwinter copying D&D Online? - Link
While it looks like this news is over a month old, this is the first I've heard of it. It looks like the new Neverwinter game (Cryptic Studios) has now been changed from a single player / co-op to a free to play full MMO. From their description it looks like they are trying to target the same audience as D&D Online. This is... odd news, which makes me look at it with an even more skeptic eye. (I've not been a fan of Cryptic since they moved out from under NC Soft.)

"The developer says Neverwinter will be closer to a game like Nexon's Vindictus, where combat is controlled by mouse clicks, and where pattern recognition and reflexes are the keys to successfully murdering hordes of monsters."

November 22, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 21 (week 177) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"My life seems tollerable lately, neither overly good or bad, but certainly plaged by more troubles than usual it seems."

November 20, '11 - Sunday - podcast 33: Star Wars: The Old Republic beta weekend - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about playing the weekend test of Star Wars: The Old Republic. I think I got to about level 7 or 8 with my Jedi, and about level 6 with my Bounty Hunter, so I didn't see much, but I think I saw all the basics of the game.
November 19, '11 - Saturday - podcast 32: The Skyrim is the limit - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about playing Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
November 15, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 20 (week 176) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"I feel like such a failure at life lately. People did appriciate some comments I made about gaming stuff, and I know my knowledge, thoughts, and perspective are appriciated, but... when days like today pass by I feel like I'm failing at everything."

November 9, '11 - Wednesday - unstealth Twitter
I've been in stealth mode on Twitter for a while under the name "rabb1tdotcom". Someone is following it, so I'll go ahead and unstealth there. It will basically be just a repeat/mimic of what is on this page. There likely will still be stuff on Facebook that doesn't appear on either, mostly ramblings about games and such. With the 140 character cap I don't think I'll put a lot on the Twitter, but it's there now if you are interested. I'll try and figure out how to get an icon with a link to it up on the menu bar as quick as I can so you can just clickie instead of manually finding me there.
November 8, '11 - Tuesday - podcast 31: Play it again - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about playing through games I've played through before and aspects of replayability. I talk about someone who left a guild he was with years ago and who is now trying to reconnect. I talk a bit about doing things you enjoy at the time you like. I talk about my difficulties finding a car and my sad life in general. (If such talk makes you sad skip to the end.)
November 8, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 19 (week 175) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"I love being in a nice warm home when it's raining. It's so very sad I'm not. I can see people's homes as I pass them by, smell their fires going, but I don't have one. Though I have safe shelter to call upon and hide in if I'm careful and not discovered, keeping me and what I carry dry and warmish, it is a very far cry from a home And, as always, I wonder if that is something I will ever have again. "

November 1, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 18 (week 174) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

More on the car death. But today I have a bit of a smile, and that is something.

October 25, '11 - Tuesday - podcast 30: Spooky Halloween show - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about how trick or treating has changed from when I was young, safe places, and cyber bullying. I tell a story about trick or treating when I was small at a haunted house. I talk about monsters in the movies. A ghost story from when I was younger.

Happy Halloween time everyone!

October 25, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 17 (week 173) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

More car drama. The car is dead, gonna have to sell it.

October 19, '11 - Wednesday - Generation 16 LAN - Link
I saw a lot of people lugging super heavy/large systems to and from the LAN. Some were having space issues in their car, and others mentioned it was very difficult for them to use public transport due the size. For those who are going to be attending such events on a regular basis (which I figure is probably like 10% of you), I've decided to start including LAN system recommendations. These will be in smaller cases and have maximum power for minimum size/weight. They will appear at the bottom of the system build page from now on. Enjoy.
October 19, '11 - Wednesday - podcast 29: Rage, I has it - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about Rage and the new game play elements that weren't in Doom or Quake that make Rage what it is. I discuss game engines and what I define as a "game generation". I talk about game play layers and game play style. I give some hardware pointers on cooling your laptop (or netbook). I discuss my final thoughts about Rage after finishing and being a better game buyer. I talk about going to the Nvidia GeForce LAN 6 and close with some sad car news.
October 18, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 16 (week 172) - Link / Pic link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form. Also, picture series 25, which includes stuff from Nvidia GeForce LAN 6.

I had a super great time at Nvidia GeForce LAN 6, so there's several bits on that. The car suffers a final death. At the time of this posting I don't know if I'll ever see it again.

October 17, '11 - Monday - Nvidia GeForce LAN 6, I'm on a boat! - Link
I went to the GeForce LAN 6 over the weekend and had a super great time there. There were over 600 gamers! That doesn't even count Nvidia or exhibitor staff! It was on a haunted ship, but I didn't see any ghosts, and due to my not being able to store my stuff I couldn't go on either of the night tours, which makes me super sad.

Unfortunately due to my recent car issues, my car died just as I was arriving and I was stranded over night. I'm sure I became known as 'stranded guy' to many who walked back and forth in front of me to go to their cars during the night and morning. (I was in the same spot outside the gate from 7 PM until about 11:30 AM. My car died about a quarter mile from the event, so I wasn't on the grounds proper. If I were I likely would have just napped in the car for most of that time.) I guess it's ok I was stranded, as I was allowed back in with my general entry pass for Sunday, which I originally wasn't planning on attending. It was sort of implied general admission would only be allowed in from 11 AM - 5 PM for the day you bought the ticket, so I thought they would kick me out. I suppose maybe some good will come of my being stranded though. Half a dozen rabb1t cards went out, and maybe someone will have a better job for me.

Special thanks to Victoria (from Nvidia) for resucing me and bringing me back to my 'home area'. Lots of Nvidia peeps and others were keeping an eye out for a ride for me, so that was nice to hear.

October 12, '11 - Wednesday - AMD Bulldozer
AMD's Bulldozer CPUs are out. I altered my PC page and the system recommendations. Note though that I do not recommend them for mid-range or high-end systems, as reviewers are basically saying that the FX-8120, set in the same price range as the Core i5, at best matches, but often under performs in comparison. Their higher CPU, the one in the Core i7 price range really just can't keep up. It seems that Intel's design still has a bit of the edge overall, and an even greater edge during single threaded applications (which many games still are.)
October 11, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 15 (week 171) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

More car issues. They were supposed to fix them all by now, but it's still on-going. It probably won't be fixed until tomorrow or later.

October 8, '11 - Saturday - podcast 28: Drop - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about leaving forums (and communities) for games that I've been participating on in a regular basis. All loots are for you, it doesn't matter how you find it. I talk about the bunnah thoughts on random drop loot vs. token based systems. Ramblings about my bad luck with cars and my current car troubles.
October 6, '11 - Thursday - Generation 16 - Link
The next system build generation is up. Nothing super different. A few changes to the entry system (graphics card and now it has 8 gig), and there is a SSD in the rank 3 now that they are getting cheaper. A few other tweaks to drives in other builds, but mostly the same. Tech hasn't changed very much in a while. Enjoy.
October 4, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 14 (week 170) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

Car trouble this week. I attempted to fix it, but no it's worse after the work. It won't be resolved until next week at the soonest.

September 28, '11 - Wednesday - podcast 27: Holidays - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about what exactly an authenticator is. I talk about how holidays in game can be important. The guild forms an alliance. And I talk about how common ground with other gamers can be important and special. I talk about having a safe place to play. And I talk about doing what works for you, even if it may not be the right way.
September 27, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 13 (week 169) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"Though, it is a sad reminder of how much I don't belong. People here, for the most part, are just starting their education, not even at the start of the journey of their "adult life". When noone is around it's easy to think of as just a library I can access teh Internets from, or a place to go to the bathroom or shower. But full of life, of people who "belong here"... I can't help but feel like I've failed and therefore unworthy of being here. "

September 20, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 12 (week 168) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"Right now my life has so many freedoms in so many categories, yet they all come at the cost of lack of security in those areas. I suppose what is best in life is a mix of both. Right now all I have though is freedom... at the price of constant worry about my lack of security and certainty. "

September 17, '11 - Saturday - podcast 26: Feeling secure - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about having things to look forward to in your life, and how important they are, however big or small they may be. There was a guild bank robbery! The first ever rabb1t's ramblings dummy head award. And in the last segment I talk about freedoms and securities/assurances in gaming, as well as in your regular life.
September 14, '11 - Wednesday - Diablo III 'talent calculator' - Link
There is a 'talent calculator' up for Diablo III. You can peek at all the talents and rune mods for all the classes.
September 13, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 11 (week 167) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"There really isn't anything in my life at the moment I feel 100% safe that it will be ok and I don't have to worry about it... and that make me very sad. "

September 7, '11 - Wednesday - podcast 25: the Gaming Grid - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk briefly about how we should appriciate the gaming grid and access to worlds and lives we may not otherwise experience. I talk a bit about how the MMOG space has changed sociology between players, and how your personal gaming background may influence your thoughts and feelings on these interactions. In my second gaming hardware tip section I talk about how to blow out your system (as promised in the last podcast, hehe). I talk about how my broken paw is all better now, yeeeaaa for all better.
September 6, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 10 (week 166) and Pic seres 24 - Link / Pic link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form. Also, picture series 24.

"Oh happy day! My paw is finally free! ... Seems like things will turn out just fine for the broken bunnah paw. Now if only we were able to say the same about the rest of me with that certainty. "

September 4, '11 - Sunday - Firefall at PAX 2011 - Official site / Mission link (standard def) / Dynamic content link (standard def)
Firefall is looking more and more slick. For those into first person shooters and loot dropping games it will be worth a serious look. As mentioned in the video, it will be free to download and free to play, that's 100% for teh free! So there's no reason not to give it a look when you can.
September 2, '11 - Friday - Deus Ex Human Revolution - Link
Picked up Deus Ex Human Revolution (augmented edition) as a late birthday present. I'm only just past the tutorial so far, but it seems like a must buy for any Cyberpunk fan. Excellent story and a very rich and detail world, just what every role player wants. It uses the cover system type combat mixed with Thief like stealth elements (you can knock guys out and drag them around.) The combat system is very different for me and I think I died like 10x during the tutorial, but they were good deaths as it really gave me a crash course in that system. (I'm playing on the default medium setting, I'm sure easy would be better for people who aren't as used to FPS games, but I picked up every other aspect right off the bat.)

Tips I can think of (about 5 hours in):
- You will always have at least one battery that will recharge.
- Batteries that get completely drained will not recharge, but partially drained ones will. (Example; You have 3 battery power. You engage stealth and use 1.5. That second battery will recharge back to full after a while.) Nom some food to recharge completly drained batteries.
- I recommend you keep 2 Praxis and a few thousand creds on you at any given time, just in case you come into a situation that you aren't already prepared for.
- Early game it seems non-combat augs can be more useful; conversation, hacking, movement options, etc.

August 30, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 9 (week 165) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"The bad news is that due to my lowered activity level, due to my eating a touch worse due to not being able to micro soups, I'm now getting winded very easily. I can scoot for a short bit, but with the longer trips I have a bit of difficulty breathing by the end. It may turn out that re-learning how to walk isn't as difficult as actually having enough energy to do so."

August 27, '11 - Saturday - podcast 24: Podcast of Many Things - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I ramble about my concerns (and hopes) for Star Wars: The Old Republic and Guild Wars 2 based on some footage that's come out from Gamescom. I talk about lasting choices that involve creation of your avatar and your world choice. I talk about conditions that you may play games under, and talk about my single player conditions. And in a new recurring section I do my first gaming hardware tip; how to clean your keyboard and mouse.
August 23, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 8 (week 164) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"Though I expect I will have online friends with me this time, an improvement over previous years, I yet again wonder if I will ever have a "normal" birthday celebration ever again. "

August 23, '11 - Tuesday - Guild Wars 2 Gamescom coverage - Game link
Several cool videos of Guild Wars 2 from Gamescom.

Gamescom Guild Wars 2 coverage (by massively.joystiq.com), TotalBiscuit's Gamescom Guild Wars 2 coverage (part 1 of 2), TotalBiscuit's Gamescom Guild Wars 2 coverage (part 2 of 2)

August 16, '11 - Tuesday - podcast 23: Wild West - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about how games, movies, and TV, are returning to an old west formula. I talk about how there is a trinity of skill/experience, gear, and hardware in games and you shouldn't feel bad if one part is missing. I talk about doing what you love and being true to yourself. Joking around can be hurtful to others, be mindful how you do it. And at the end, a life update about my broken paw.
August 16, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 7 (week 163) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"The super good news is that the ankle is almost all better. ... The fibula, however, is healing kind of slowly and still a touch out of place. ... they are keeping me in the cast for three more weeks."

August 13, '11 - Saturday - Anomaly Warzone Earth (iPhone) - iTunes link
One of the coolest "tower defense" games I've played. It's "reverse" in that YOU are the attacker. Pretty cool and fun.
August 9, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 6 (week 162) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"I no longer remember what it feels like to live in and have a home. "

August 3, '11 - Tuesday - podcast 22: In a podcast far far away... - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about how playing MMOGs is a cycle of adventures. I talk about the online and offline communities surrounding games. I talk about how games can spark creativity and imagination. I talk about how games may differ from their representation in other media. And at the end, a life update about my broken paw.
August 2, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 5 (week 161) and picture series 23 - Link / Pic link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form. Also, picture series 23 is up.

"They said in terms of recovery I look really good, but that there may be some tendon damage. If there is I may have to get surgery because what may be happening is that the tendon isn't working right and bones are bumping up against each other. I said I wanted to avoid surgery at all costs, so what we did was cast me up super extra good, and I'll go in for a follow up in a couple of weeks."

July 26, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 4 (week 160) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

This week begins the saga of teh bunnah with no hop. On Friday I "fractured" my ankle, and it looks like it's out of place and may need to be reset, and I "fractured" my fibula, which may need pins to be set correctly. Both things will be checked up on at a follow up appointment yet to come.

July 25, '11 - Monday - podcast 21: Fibula fracture - Link / iTunes link
In this podcast I talk about not always being online. Trust, it's important to trust people and share trust. I analyze the true cost of being a video gamer. And there's a very sad life update, I broke my ankle and leg.
July 19, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 3 (week 159) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"Lately I've been thinking a lot about trust. It seems like a lot of my problems stem from people not trusting me. ... Am I still homeless, have I remained homeless for so long, because people don't trust me?"

July 15, '11 - Friday - Getting caught up with Borderlands - Link
I just finished Batman: Arkham Asylum the other day. Wooooo, one of the best games ever. I have Borderlands on the way as my next game to get caught up on.

Sorry I haven't been keeping people updated. I've gotten several games to get caught up on since I got my gaming laptop at the end of March. It's been so long since I could actually play games that I totally forgot to keep everyone current on what I'm doing. My whole world has been my homelessness and posting Epic Fail, and now my podcast, that I've forgotten what it's like to post other news. I promise not to forget again in the future.

July 12, '11 - Thursday - podcast 20: I am... - Link / iTunes link
I am Batman. I am sad that I got the game now, instead of when I was back in a home. I am asked "is it worth it?" I am seeing a 3d movie and talking about 3d tech. I am interviewed by Jenesee of the Grey Area Podcast. And I am still homeless.
July 12, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 2 (week 158) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"I rushed back to school after, grabbed a nom, and settled in for my podcast with Jenesee for the Grey Area Podcast. ... Hearing myself in 3rd person as it were, while interacting with others, makes me feel a bit less sad. I can relate to me as another person who is part of a greater group, someone who shares like interests, thoughts, hopes, and dreams of other like-minded people, and I feel a bit less alone in the world. At least for the moment."

July 12, '11 - Tuesday - the Grey Area Podcast interview - Link
teh rabb1t is interviewed in the Grey Area Podcast; Episode 25: The Year Of The Rabb1t.
July 5, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 4, week 1 (week 157) - Link
The first week of Epic Fail book 4 is up in web and .pdf form.

"I picked up Batman: Arkham Asylum today. ... It is the last 'milestone' game that I'd set for myself. To surrender that hope of playing it under 'ideal conditions'... it's very sad... and I guess I have to try and accept that what my life currently is may be the best it will ever be again... and that it will only continue to get worse as time goes on. "

July 1, '11 - Friday - Epic Fail book 3, week 53 (week 157) - Link
The last bit of Epic Fail book 3 is up in web and .pdf form. This is only the first two days of the week, so it will re-appear on it's regular week posting time.
June 30, '11 - Thursday - podcast 19: pew pew pew - Link / iTunes link
My thoughts and experience with PvP; why I don't really like it. Thoughts on FPS games. rabb1t 4th of Julys past.
June 29, '11 - Wednesday - Epic Fail picture series 22 - Link
The final picture series for book/year 3 is up. I can't believe I'm about to enter year 4 of being homeles.
June 28, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 52 (week 156) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"My life seems so strange and sad now, both the good and the bad. I suppose though that I'm glad it is still my life. What with the kidney function issue with my blood pressure meds I'm still very worried about me. "

June 28, '11 - Tuesday - the Guild on Hulu - Link
All four seasons of The Guild is up on Hulu. If you haven't seen it, go get it!
June 24, '11 - Friday - podcast 18: Appreciation and My Guild - Link / iTunes link
A reminder to remember to appreciate those in your lives. Giving good directions and listening well can be very helpful. Discussion on my guild in WoW and my new one in Rift. Sorry for the popping and metalic sounds in the first few bits. I got a popper stopper and that shouldn't happen ever again.
June 22, '11 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 51 (week 155) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I am eating a fancy dinner. It will likely be about quadruple what I'd normally spend, but I really want steak. Once upon a time it wasn't a big deal. ... Now... now I'm surprised such a thing is a rare treat."

June 22, '11 - Wednesday - the Grey Area Podcast - Link
For those of you who like my rabb1t's rambling podcast you may want to check out the Grey Area Podcast. There's a bit of crossover in terms of relationships between gamers. She doesn't really get into her standard format until around podcast 4, so I'd recommend checking one out that's from there on and then going back to the first ones. The first ones are only a few minutes long, but they actually become just a small part of her regular format. (No iTunes link because her link has been a bit crazy lately. It may have finally settled down, but I'll let you find it at her site to be sure you get the right one.)
June 14, '11 - Tuesday - podcast 17: Style - Link / iTunes link
Our style (in games). Our characters; Who are we? How do we define ourselves? Who is really in control? Our play style in how we play our characters; what abilities do we use? What our our tactics for those abilities? Your style is your style, it shold be fun for you, even if that means going against mainsteam thought.
June 14, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 50 (week 154) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I had an appointment to check my blood pressure after. It came out a lot lower than the machine has been showing me. It's possible that it's not been as bad as I've thought for a while. It could be that by waiting 5 minutes to test myself I will see lower results."

June 7, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 49 (week 153) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form. Maybe some day I can return to a normal life and stop posting them.

"My life is a constant single task at a time emotional disaster. I always hope I can return to a normal life, but I no longer know if I will be able to."

June 4, '11 - Saturday - podcast 16: Human - Link / iTunes link
Being human and admitting oopsies. Thoughts on why I choose to play a human character in a game or not. World building vs. being just a game - the humanity within the world. The competitive spirit and emotions of being human; playing to feel something.
May 31, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 48 (week 152) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"So awesome a movie Kung Fu Panda 2. ... It makes me wonder where I am in my story. ... And what of you, the readers? Where are we in your story?"

May 25, '11 - Wednesday - podcast 15: Promises of the Future - Link / iTunes link
I talk about my concerns about dynamic content in the future, how content has evolved over time, about giving and receiving advice, differing levels of experience between game players, and remakes and restarts compared to original versions.
May 24, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 47 (week 151) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

Bad teacher is bad!

May 17, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 46 (week 150) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"Not a terribly good day most of today I suppose, but my life is what it is. I'm trying to change it and remain hopeful, but nothing seems to change. "

May 14, '11 - Saturday - podcast 14: Fantasy - Link / iTunes link
Two memorable experiences from my pen and paper days (as a GM.) Also, discussion about how I think it's important that games make you think and feel, how I think it's important to remain open to game experiences, and how a personal connection is important.
May 10, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 45 (week 149) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"Today was an extra sad day. ... My phone slipped from my hand and hit the brick floor at exactly the angle that the current case is vulnerable. Now there is a hairline crack across the entire bottom. It's fully functional still, and now, hiding in the dark, if I look straight at the phone I can't really see it, but still."

May 7, '11 - Saturday - podcast 13: ranting - Link / iTunes link
Games and hardware crashing, common ground, MMOG time sinks.
May 3, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 44 (week 148) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I'll go get my meds in the afternoon tomorrow. ... She did say that most people have to take it the rest of their life, so that made me sad."

April 26, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 43 (week 147) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"My appointment with the higher nurse went ok I guess. ... I should be fine once I'm back on the meds I had."

April 26, '11 - Tuesday - podcast 12: the Old Guard - Link / iTunes link
rabb1t thoughts on why Vanguard wasn't hugely successful, happy Easter, and brief chat about the Old Guard.
April 20, '11 - Wednesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 42 (week 146) and Picture series 21 - Link / Pic link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form, as well as picture series 21.

"My blood pressure is getting super bad again. The first number is around 150, while the second number, the dangerous one, is nearing around 100 again on a regular basis. My weight is up to nearly 215, almost the heaviest I've ever been. My heart often races in a bad way these days and I tire easily, and my extremities lose circulation quicky."

April 16, '11 - Saturday - podcast 11: Your Avatar - Link / iTunes link
Discussion on your avatar; how you view them, and how others view them.
April 12, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 41 (week 145) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"I am getting very super concerned about my results of my blood pressure visit. The doctor will likely put me on meds and it will go back down and everything will be fine again. But due to my recent sadness about life thinking I could lose some, or all, of my life due to health reasons is truly terrifying and sad."

Facebook
April 5, '11 - Tuesday - Facebook - Link
Don't forget, I has a Facebook page now. You can get these postings and more bounced directly to your wall for up to the minute infos without needing to check in.
April 5, '11 - Tuesday - Epic Fail book 3, week 40 (week 144) - Link
The next week of Epic Fail is up in web and .pdf form.

"The weight of eveything in my life being different and limited due to being homeless still seems extra heavy lately. I struggle through my days trying to distract myself with happy things, but since they are always restrcted, reduced, or limited in some way, it's impossible to enjoy them as much as I could with the freedom of a home."

April 3, '11 - Sunday - podcast 10: Choices and Freedom - Link / iTunes link
Being free to play how you want to play, max level, quest design, and game design.

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Comments and stuff Copyright E. Stryker 2006-2013
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