Charles W Blog and Video Blog

2012-02-03T19:38:00.004-06:00

Visit my webpage that is set up accepting donations for Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake by going to http://dft.ba/-2012BBBSBFKS

2011-12-12T08:48:00.002-06:00

Return of the Charles W Video Blog Coming soon...the return of my video blog.

An Open Letter to WB Games

2011-09-03T09:01:00.002-05:00

This is a letter written out of frustration.

So I am a person who loves to play video games. I am particularly fond of the Guitar Hero/Rock Band games. I have all of the main games for Rock Band for my xbox 360 and that is a recent development. You see about two weeks ago I bought Rock Band 3 finally. So I finally got the money together to get some Microsoft points to export all of my Rock Band games so I could play the songs in Rock Band 3.

I have had absolutely no problem with exporting any of the tracks to Rock Band 3 from Rock Band, Rock Band 2, and Green Day Rock Band (I would export the tracks from Beatles Rock Band if they would let me). I went to export the tracks for Lego Rock Band and I found the experience different than any other Rock Band game.

To give you an idea, the first Rock Band game you just went to a menu option and selected it and paid for the export and the songs just exported. For Rock Band 2 and Green Day Rock Band, there was an export code in the game booklet. When you entered that code into the Redeem Code screen on the xbox 360, you would then pay for the export and the songs exported with no problem.

So I get to Lego Rock Band. There is a code sheet included with the game. I read the code sheet and you have to log onto the Rock Band website, go to a specific site within the Rock Band site, and enter the code on the code sheet. When you are done entering the code it is supposed to give you a Redeem Code to enter on your xbox 360 and then you have to pay for the export.

So I went to the website and entered the code and it stated someone had used that code already and in so many words I was just fucked. The only thing I could do was to contact WB Games and try and get a new code. So I went through the process of emailing them to get a new code. Mind you I still have the game and I still would have to pay $10 to export the songs even when I get the Redeem Code. So it isn't like I'm trying to get a free game.

I get a response back from WB Games pretty quickly:

Please note that rented copies or used copies are not eligible for a code. The code is only provided for the original purchaser of a new game purchase. If you purchased a new sealed copy of the game for Xbox 360 or Playstation 3, and it was missing the sheet with the code or you get a message that the code was already used or another error when entering it on the webpage, please provide the following in order to obtain a code.

1. A dated proof of purchase (receipt, invoice) showing the purchase of a NEW copy of the game(not a rented or used copy, nor a copy purchased from EBay).

2. Your gamertag for Xbox Live, or your profile for the PSN.

3. Your email address

4. A scan of the package and game disc(s).

5. A scan of the code sheet.

Items 2-5 were no problem to provide. I had all of those available to me. It was item number 1 that i was going to have a problem with. You see I bought this game in April of 2010. I like the game, which is obvious because I still play it, and at the time I bought the game I had no intention of returning the game as the game worked perfectly. So I did what ever other video gamer has ever done to his/her receipt and threw it away.

I tried to work with WB Games at this point and get an alternative to a receipt to them and I was able to provide a screenprint of my transaction (with no real details) of when I purchased the game from my bank since I used my debit card. This morning, after two weeks, I got a response basically saying they needed a picture of the receipt.

This should not be that difficult WB games. You realize that your game right now is going for $8 on amazon.com? If I wanted to make my life simple I could just take the game I have to GameStop and give it to them as a trade in and just purchase the damn game again on Amazon I wouldn't have to deal with you at all. If I was really trying to get free shit I could understand but it isn't even that. I'm trying to get the right to pay for something.

I'm tired of dealing with WB Games at this point and it looks like this is my only course of action which sucks. I have to spend more of my money to do something that should not be that difficult.

Seriously WB Games do the right thing. No other game in the Rock Band franchise is this much of a pain to deal with. This shouldn't be that difficult and I wish you would just take the time to realize you are just alienating your fans by doing stuff like this.

Thanks
Charles

Glee the 3D Concert Movie Review

2011-08-10T21:55:00.002-05:00

OK so tonight I got to go to an early screening of Glee the 3D Concert Movie. Now before I get too far in this review I have to lay down this disclaimer that I’m a huge (in more than one way) Gleek. I love the tv show and I love the music that has come from the tv show. I’m even following The Glee Project reality tv show as well so needless to say I’m a fan.

Now that is out of the way here is my review. Meh.

Don’t get me wrong. The music is great. The performances (with the exception of Chris Coffer’s rendition of “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles) were great and the inspirational stories that were placed in the film was a great way to break up the songs. But that is about the end of the pros for this movie though.

The cons about this movie are pretty extensive. Let’s start with something that I have already mentioned with Chris Coffer’s rendition of “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles. In the tv show, this song is a very emotional song and you feel the pain that Kurt (Chris Coffer) is feeling at the time about his father being in a coma. That emotion is gone in this performance which for me (a Gleek) loses something. He is smiling and waving and it just felt out of place in the lineup of songs. Coffer sings the song well but it just felt weird to me.

Another con for me, is really more of a question. Why is this in 3D? Let me put it this way. Half of the movie is not in 3D. Anytime the side stories are being shown or they are showing crowds of people outside the venue, it is in 2D. And let’s be honest that there isn’t really a good reason for this to be in 3D. Very rarely does it take good advantage of the 3D technology and really feels unnecessary. Hollywood, 3D has just about run it’s course. Please stop with the 3D. The only movie it really worked well on was Avatar and that gave people (including me) headaches because it was too long.

Yet another con is that this movie is short. Like really short. For the price they will charge (regular price) for seeing this movie, they could have shown more songs or added another side story about a fan. The movie is less than 1 1/2 hours long.

So with all that in mind, I would give this a 3 out of 5. Don’t waste your hard earned money on seeing it in theaters. Watch it at home when it comes out for DVD or Blu-ray.

It Gets Better

2011-06-11T16:50:00.000-05:00

This is my It Gets Better Project Video.

My Story:
So as I turn 34 today I thought that I would take the opportunity to talk a little bit about my past. When I look back at school I actually had a pretty miserable experience, especially in high school. I didn’t have a lot of friends. I was overweight, I was in the band and I was a geek. So needless to say I was an outcast. I was bullied a lot mainly because I didn’t have a support system or the self confidence I needed to really fight it. So as it goes when they figure out they can get under your skin, they keep at it. I even at one point did contemplate suicide. I had a really bad day at school and my family wasn’t making things any better and I just about had enough. Thank god that I took a long walk to cool down and get my head on straight. It took something in my brain to click to finally snap at one bully and defend myself. That was the turning point of my life. I began to build up self-confidence. I didn’t have a lot of self-confidence but I had some. From that point on it got a little better. I was still bullied and felt like an outsider but it wasn’t as bad. The moment I graduated high school it felt like a rock was lifted off of my shoulders and I felt like a free man. I had all the possibilities out there. I could meet new people that hadn’t been around me for 13 years and I could have a lasting relationship with people who didn’t try to drag me down. Let me tell you first hand you are not alone. It may be bad for you right now but it gets so much better. I have more friends now that I ever had before. I have made a success of myself at least in my own eyes. I have more confidence and I have ended the cycle of being bullied. So if you are contemplating suicide and think that it can’t get any better I’m telling you that stick it out and find someone whether it be a good friend, your parents, really just anyone to support you through this tough time because it does get better.

My Blogger: http://charleswblogs.blogspot.com/
My Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckaw
My YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/chuckaw
Please be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get the latest videos that I post.

Um...I'm confused

2011-05-31T20:04:00.002-05:00

So I have seriously been a big opponent of the Westboro Baptist “Church” in the past. Little did I know I guess I now side with the KKK

http://gawker.com/5806819/kkk-counter+protests-god-hates-fags-church

So now I have a question for you…what does that say about me…cause I really don’t like the KKK either and to have them agree with me makes me want to kill myself.

Update Time

2011-04-07T08:42:00.000-05:00

Hey there Charles lovers

So yeah I haven't done any vlogging or really any blogging in a while. There are several reasons (um I mean excuses) that I have come up with for that.

Number 1

I had originally planned on doing a vlog entry every day this month. Now over the past week some events have taken place that I won't fill you in on as they are personal. Let me just reassure you that things have gotten better. I do plan on still doing this but it won't be in April. I'm not even sure if I will do a vlog in April. It really does depend on how much time I have to do this because for those of you who don't know...

Number 2

Vlogging takes a long time. To give you an idea of what goes into making a 4 minute video...here are the steps I take:

1. Writing - I try to write out what I'm going to say. Sometimes I write a full script and sometimes I just write down what I want to talk about. Depending on how well thought out I am on the video the writing can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or two to write out
2. Camera Setup - This is actually pretty quick. Usually the most it takes is about 15 minutes. This usually includes setting up the tripod, and shutting off anything that can make a sound while I am recording (a/c, tv etc)
3. Recording - I usually for a 4 minute video will record about 20 minutes. So you only see about a quarter of what I record. This includes moving around and bad takes
4. Editing - This is the lengthy part of the process. I usually plan out about an hour or two to edit the video. This includes putting in the intro and outtro and editing out the bad takes and moving around. I also edit out some stuff I do that just doesn't work for the video like I thought it would.
* - Side note for those of you curious I do not own a mac so I found a really decent PC video editor program made by Magix called Movie Edit Pro 17 HD
5. Uploading and Posting - I use YouTube to upload all of my videos then I post the videos on my several blogs that I post on. Depending on YouTube this is at least another hour long process.

So lately I haven't had the time to post vlogs because of that. That being said I have been playing around with another blog, which brings me to my last point that I will talk about...

Number 3

I've been playing around on Tumblr and I'm starting to like how it works. I have been posting pictures and videos and other thoughts about what I like on there and I have to say I'm pretty impressed with it. Now I could just post the link on here and you could go over and take a look but I thought I would make a thinly veiled game out of it and make you find the link in this post.

So that is it for right now. I hope you all have a great day and as always...DFTBA!!!

Time off from Blogging/Vlogging

2011-03-20T15:32:00.000-05:00

Hey there Charles lovers!

So as you have probably noticed I haven't posted much anywhere lately. This is really due to several factors.

Factor #1 - Mother Nature

So I recently became Mother Nature's bitch again. About two weeks ago, a storm rolled through here and while I was at work lightening must have struck somewhere close to the house because my cable modem, my router, and my xbox 360 network card all got fried at the same time. I just this friday got everything back to normal.

Factor #2 - I've been busy

I know that sounds like a really lame excuse but it is true. I have been busy with work, dealing with issues at the house which included the above issues as well as my washing machine motor going out on me, a flat tire, and me trying to have a life away from the keyboard. So you are just going to have to get over it.

Now of course there are other factors that I won't get into on here just because it is personal and I take a lot of care when it comes to discussing topics on here to make sure that I try not to offend others. It is just my nature.

What I'm looking for from you and the other readers is ideas. I want to know what you would like to see me talk about or even possibly do (I cringe while I write the last part of that sentence). So please leave a comment down below as to your ideas for where you would like to see my vlog/blog go from here.

Hope you all have a great day and as always DFTBA!!!

Xbox 360 gamertag: chuckaw1977
My Blogger: http://charleswblogs.blogspot.com/
My Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckaw
My YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/chuckaw
Please be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get the latest videos that I post.

Charles W Video Blog Episode #070

2011-02-17T22:42:00.003-06:00

Charles W Video Blog Episode #070
Bowling Fantasy

Recorded on 02/17/11

In this episode, I talk about bowling, movies, career choices, punishment, and my campaign to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Visit my website at http://2011springbfks.kintera.org/citipride

My Blogger: http://charleswblogs.blogspot.com/
My Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckaw
My YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/chuckaw
Please be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get the latest videos that I post.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake 2011

2011-02-16T23:59:00.000-06:00

Hello there Charles Lovers

So I know that the thermometer on the left hand side of the page says I've raised only $45 but that is totally misleading. I have successfully met my goal of $500. A big huge thanks to the following people who helped me reach my goal:

Amy H, Melanie H, Jacob R, Felicia H, Karen P, Randi H, Pam B, Robyn K, Nancy F, Marji S, Danita G, Darryl L, Bobbie S, Alysse H, John vW, Wan C, Rebecca W, Jacque L, Kellie M, Robin S, Melissa K, Joann H, Julie S, Jacob F, Julie B, Nancy H, Debbie S, Christi D, James G, Emmy C, Cynthia T, Betty N, Theresa L, Brandi L, Geroge S, Matt G, Kat Z, and Mark W.

That is right...39 people (counting myself because of course I donated). With out these people in my life this would not have been accomplished. But that being said the fundraising is still not over and it is not too late to make a donation.

If you go to my team's page at http://2011springbfks.kintera.org/citipride and help out one of (or all of) my teammates reach their goal and help out kids who really need the help.

Again a huge thank you to everyone who helped out and thank you helping you and I make sure to DFTBA!!!!!!

Charles W Video Blog Episode #069

2011-02-09T22:16:00.001-06:00

Charles W Video Blog Episode #069
RIP Guitar Hero

Recorded on 02/09/11

In this episode, I talk about Guitar Hero, Valentines Day, and my campaign to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Visit my website at http://2011springbfks.kintera.org/chuckaw

My Blogger: http://charleswblogs.blogspot.com/
My Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckaw
My YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/chuckaw
Please be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get the latest videos that I post.

Observations for Today

2011-01-30T21:15:00.000-06:00

Hey there Charles lovers

So I have just a few observations from today alone that I would like to share with you. Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below.

1. Where I reside I am under a winter storm warning and they are calling for ice and about a foot of snow. Now in the northeast of the country they are probably laughing at us but I have this to say; we don't usually get this much snow at once and we can't handle it as well.

2. Now that being said, people in the St Louis and surrounding areas, there is no need to panic. Panicking never solves problems, it only causes more problems. By the way for the record, I have told several people this in the past and it never gets through to them. (Mainly because they have already started the chicken-with-head-removed routine so it is useless advice)

3. What in gods name are you going to do with all that eggs, bread, and milk you just bought. Like seriously, there is only so much french toast and scrambled eggs one person can take before they want to go postal on someone. Plus, you aren't buying syrup so that is going to be some pretty dry french toast. I'm just saying. (Side note: be sure to stock up on toilet paper as well...those eggs, milk and bread wont stay in you forever)

4. Idiots surround me on a regular basis. I guess I need to explain this one a little bit too. This storm that is heading our way is threatening to ice over the power lines and then with the wind supposed to pick up we will probably have power outages all over the area. Why in gods name then is microwaved popcorn sold out? This makes no sense to me so I figure there are idiots around me. The other reason why I think there are idiots around me is that no one was buying soup. Soup isle was still pretty much fully stocked. As Homer Simpson said "D'Oh"

5. Why was I at the store. Well I was actually buying some frozen lunches for work. I have to go into work tomorrow so staying at home and just avoiding this nightmare is just not possible. So I'm preparing for the week ahead the best I can. I had enough bread for me so I could just laugh at the people grabbing the last crumbs. It honestly took every ounce of willpower in me to keep from taking a picture of the madness and posting it on here. I'm regretting having willpower.

6. Willpower sucks at times.

7. So when people here in the St Louis hear the word snow, they go ape-shit and not just at the stores. It is amazing how bad people start to drive when the storm isn't even here yet. I was cut off no less than 5 times on the 5 minute drive to my house this evening from the store.

So there is what I'm thinking right now. Let me know what you think and until next time...DFTBA!!!

Live Chat Show this Saturday Morning!!!

2011-01-28T13:54:00.000-06:00

I have decided to do a live chat show this saturday morning at 9am eastern/8am central. Come join me and if you have a webcam I may ask you to come on the show with me.

I will be mainly trying my best to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters, but I will also be discussing other things going on. I'm not sure how long I will be online but it will be for a couple of hours for sure.

To chat with me you should probably go to blog tv tomorrow morning. You can go directly to my channel on there by clicking on the countdown timer to the left and it will take you there.

If you don't want to chat, here is the live stream from my channel you can always just watch if you like.

chuckaw1977- Broadcast your self LIVE

Hope to see you there!!!

Charles W Video Blog Episode #068

2011-01-26T23:17:00.002-06:00

Charles W Video Blog Episode #068
No More Snow!

Recorded on 01/26/11

In this episode, I talk about the snow, the Cardinals Care Winter Warm Up this weekend, and my campaign to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Visit my website at .http://2011springbfks.kintera.org/chuckaw

My Blogger: http://charleswblogs.blogspot.com/
My Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckaw
My YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/chuckaw
Please be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get the latest videos that I post.

Live Chat Show Perhaps

2011-01-25T08:46:00.000-06:00

So I thought I would throw this out there and see if you were interested in it at all. I'm still trying to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters and I have gotten 0 in donations online. I was thinking about doing a live chat show where I would be on camera answering your questions while I was promoting the charity.

Would any of you be interested in something like that? I would probably begin the show on Friday night and see how long I can keep it going and hopefully make my goal of $500. Let me know what you think in the comment section below.

OK. I have to run. Work beckons and I also have to write for my video blog which will go up this week (hopefully by tomorrow).

Until then DFTBA!!!

http://2011springbfks.kintera.org/chuckaw

Pictures from the Cardinals Winter Warm Up

2011-01-23T22:17:00.000-06:00

Been meaning to get these pictures up from last weekend's Cardinals Winter Warm Up that I volunteered at. Hope you enjoy.

The main stage prior to the doors opening on the first day.

Ski Ball bitches

The velcro wall was very tempting but alas there was a weight limit

Yes that is me holding an alligator. It was the least objectionable animal the guy had to hold. Trust me!

Charles W Video Blog Episode #067

2011-01-12T20:19:00.000-06:00

Charles W Video Blog Episode #067
Charity Whore but in a Good Way

Recorded on 01/11/11

In this episode, I talk about the snow, the Cardinals Care Winter Warm Up this weekend, and my campaign to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Visit my website at http://2011springbfks.kintera.org/chuckaw

My Blogger: http://charleswblogs.blogspot.com/
My Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckaw
My YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/chuckaw
Please be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get the latest videos that I post.

Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!!!!

2011-01-11T21:24:00.000-06:00

Thank you so much to Travis for telling me I had been featured and thank you to Biggercity.com for featuring me for this month's blog!!!!

Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake

2011-01-08T15:28:00.002-06:00

I want to show you just how simple and easy it can be for you to help me help kids right in the community. It won’t cost you a fortune, either; just a few bucks can make a big difference. Click on the link below to find out how to help.

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Big Brothers Big Sisters - Eastern Missouri

Charles W Video Blog Episode #066

2011-01-05T19:51:00.001-06:00

Charles W Video Blog Episode #066
I’m Back

Recorded on 01/04/11

In this episode, I talk about my absence for the past couple of months, my plans for 2011, and other stuff I can’t remember while I’m typing this now.

Clive’s Angels (Clive designed my new logo…show him some love!!!) http://www.youtube.com/user/ClivesAngels

My Blogger: http://charleswblogs.blogspot.com/
My Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckaw
My YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/chuckaw
Please be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get the latest videos that I post.

Roller Coaster Tycoon Friday Episode #028

2010-10-15T09:59:00.001-05:00

Roller Coaster Tycoon Friday Episode #028

Stats:
Twister Coaster
Excitement Rating: 7.63
Intensity Rating: 6.12
Nausea Rating: 3.30
Max Speed: 49.77 mph
Avg Speed: 26.36 mph
Ride Time: 1:31
Ride Length: 3519.24 ft
Max Positive Vertical Gs: 3.83
Max Negative Vertical Gs: -1.08
Max Lateral Gs: 1.49
Air Time: 0:05
Drops: 11
Highest Drop: 54.37 ft
Inversions: 8

Clive’s Angels (Clive designed my new logo…show him some love!!!) http://www.youtube.com/user/ClivesAngels

My Blogger: http://charleswblogs.blogspot.com/
My Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckaw
My YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/chuckaw
Please be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get the latest videos that I post.

Charles W Video Blog Episode #065

2010-10-11T00:02:00.000-05:00

Charles W Video Blog Episode #065
Vogon Poetry

Recorded on 10/10/10

In this episode, I talk about 42 day, my new glasses and the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything. And to confirm in writing, yes I am a nerd. Proud of it too.

Clive’s Angels (Clive designed my new logo…show him some love!!!) http://www.youtube.com/user/ClivesAngels

My Blogger: http://charleswblogs.blogspot.com/
My Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckaw
My YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/chuckaw
Please be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get the latest videos that I post.

Charles W Video Blog Episode #064

2010-10-04T23:22:00.000-05:00

Charles W Video Blog Episode #064
Broken, But Not As Bad As Everyone Thinks

Recorded on 10/03/10

In this episode, I decide to talk about something that is bothering me, the perceived state of the education system in this country.

Clive’s Angels (Clive designed my new logo…show him some love!!!) http://www.youtube.com/user/ClivesAngels

My Blogger: http://charleswblogs.blogspot.com/
My Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckaw
My YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/chuckaw
Please be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get the latest videos that I post.

Roller Coaster Tycoon Friday Episode #027

2010-10-01T09:46:00.000-05:00

Roller Coaster Tycoon Friday Episode #027

Stats:
Junior Coaster
Excitement Rating: 6.57
Intensity Rating: 5.49
Nausea Rating: 3.51
Max Speed: 51.21 mph
Avg Speed: 17.77 mph
Ride Time: 1:48
Ride Length: 2819.21 ft
Max Positive Vertical Gs: 3.53
Max Negative Vertical Gs: -1.12
Max Lateral Gs: 0.95
Air Time: 0:20
Drops: 9
Highest Drop: 84.72 ft
Inversions: 0

This roller coaster is based off the River King Mine Train coaster located at Six Flags St Louis

Clive’s Angels (Clive designed my new logo…show him some love!!!) http://www.youtube.com/user/ClivesAngels

My Blogger: http://charleswblogs.blogspot.com/
My Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckaw
My YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/chuckaw
Please be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get the latest videos that I post.

Charles W Video Blog Episode #063

2010-09-26T22:22:00.004-05:00

Charles W Video Blog Episode #063
Because I’m an idiot

Recorded on 09/26/10

In this episode, I talk about my weekend with my family, the thank you event for helping Cardinals Care, and my ghost hunt coming up this weekend at the old Milton School.

Ghost Hunters Episode Information:
http://www.thetelegraph.com/news/school-45165-tour-milton.html

Clive’s Angels (Clive designed my new logo…show him some love!!!) http://www.youtube.com/user/ClivesAngels

My Blogger: http://charleswblogs.blogspot.com/
My Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckaw
My YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/chuckaw
Please be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get the latest videos that I post.