Zoodle

"Transition" (The End)

2010-08-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

The Final Post

2010-08-03T17:44:00.001-07:00

Dear Followers,

This blog has been fun.

I guess, after all this time, it's safe to say we have certainly pursued thoughtful endeavors.

However, Zoodle must now come to a close.

When I created this blog, I was experimenting: what did I enjoy writing about? Was I good at creating and maintaining a site/blog? Was it exciting to work collaboratively? And certainly, Zoodle has served its purpose in that way; by bringing me a step closer to me understanding what I want to do with my ever-changing interests.

I think it has helped me.

So, while the Zoodle Factory may need to be shut down (hey, blame it on the economy), and the zoodles aren't always as green-supporting as they used to be, I think the heart, mind and soul of Zoodle shall live on. Live on in the hearts...souls...and..minds of its [~~current]~~ former readers.

What does this mean for the future of this blog? Who knows. Not even I know!

Thank you Donald, Eragon1993, ~Knute, and Queso for all your posts, and to all the followers of this blog: I thank you especially for reading!

I wish you all a good day!

Cheers,

David

Creative Words

2010-05-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

We at Zoodle are terribly sorry about the huge absence of posts. The fact of the matter is, life is busy. We'll try to keep you constantly inspired and update the blog more often.

But to the point now.

When you talk, do you just instantly let your mouth loose forth the slew of words waiting to breech the barrier of your lips, or do you carefully select words that best communicate your point? When I was young, I never really thought about what I said. What went through my head before I said something, was a quick determination whether I was going to say something nice, funny, mean, or random. However, as I matured, I learned the value of picking your words from a myriad of options. Finding the exact word to portray my feelings feels like an accomplishment, as though each sentence was a masterful poem.

HeHe Video

2010-03-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

Zoodle and Project Orange are launching a new blog called HeHe Video. The blog is comprised of various YouTube videos, full of hilarity. Each video includes a short, pithy description, and on occasion a bit o' a background on the vid.

"Amuse Yourself" and the logo themselves are playoffs of YouTube's "Broadcast Yourself", and logo. And yes, in case you were wondering, the font is the same: Alternative Gothic No. 2, and Myriad Pro-Regular!

We here at Zoodle encourage you, if your chuckle meter is looking a bit low, please Amuse Yourself at HeHe Video. BalloonShop, Barat sand Bereta, Rhett and Link are only a few names which come to mind...enjoy!

Century Child

2010-03-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

Century Child is undoubtedly my favorite Nightwish album to date. Some argue that the singing range for Tarja (lead singer) has diminished since Wishmaster in 2000, other say Anette (current lead singer for Nightwish as of 2006) does a better job of singing with her new style, but personally I love how Tarja sings in this album. Her voice has a softer edge, and still possesses the same power it did before. This album also marks the debut of Marco Hietala as a band member of Nightwish, male lead vocals and bass guitar player. I also think that in this album, they really nailed the orchestra/heavy metal mix.

Bless the Child starts out with Tarja's operatic, passionate vocals, and leads into a memorable string and guitar duo that sounds enticing. After a short spoken-word intro by Toni Kakko, the song leads into the first verse with Tarja singing to the chorus of metal. Bless the Child is definitely in my top ten Nightwish songs. It demonstrates the perfect balance in sound between orchestral, vocal, and metal.

End of All Hope embodies the rock side of the band. Quick-paced and dramatic, it also holds a place in my top ten. In Dead to the World, Marco's vocals along with Tarja's are passionate, and as a duet they sound full and confident. Ever Dream begins with a beautiful piano intro, which then leads into a dramatic explosion of violin. Slaying the Dreamer is particularly dark, and one of the heaviest songs Nightwish has ever recorded. Heavy guitars followed by Marco's death chanting make this song one of a kind.

Forever Yours and Ocean Souls, in my opinion, seem rather out-of-place. They are slower, more mellow songs. Not to say that they lack talent, but I just felt these two songs fell below the standard in making up this collection of epic songs.

Feel for You starts with a calm base guitar intro. I think this song, along with Dead to the World reveal the best from Marco's voice. Feel for You also has a particularly awesome ending, as the intensity of Tarja's voice is exposed here. Phantom of the Opera is an awesome cover. I think it was a great idea to do a cover of this song! Tarja sings her part beautifully, and Marco achieves singing as sinisterly as the phantom himself. Beauty of the Beast presents an awesome finale that's well worth listening to; orchestra and metal combination are at there finest here, and it concludes with a stanza spoken by Toni, which wraps the album up from the beginning of Bless the Child.

I'd rate this album a 9/10. Definitely worth purchasing! I recommend adopting this Century Child for a lifetime!

BalloonShop - Ghost of Girlfriends Past

2010-02-08T15:36:00.000-08:00

These guys are hilarious! They have a unique type of dry humor that may leave some scratching their heads while causing others to laugh theirs off.

Please check them out and Subscribe!

The Crow (A Tribute to The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe)

2010-01-20T17:21:00.000-08:00

Once during a late-night hour, I lounged austere and sour
Mulling over a musical piece of unusual score
And when my eyes did close, I heard a cry of interpose
At which I arose, and looked to the offending door
Mused I then, “This strange noise I must explore.
This will be all, and nothing more.”

With pertinence do I recall, the walk through the silent hall
The many dwindling candles spread throughout the room
A vivid song of pearl did in my mind a-swirl
As a mask for my lost girl; my dear long lost Lenore!
The beauty who all humanity did adore
She who had departed, forevermore.

The door's handle I did reach, but stay! I heard a screech
Muffled through the door's ancient oak
And at this I was certain, that at pulling the curtain
A horrendous beast would surely show—
So I looked: but it was only a crow.
A dim-witted bird, and nothing more.

So I opened the ingress to confront the distress
But before my astonished eyes did lie
The crazy-winged floppings amidst the many bird droppings
And sprinkling feathers ‘round: wherefore
I lurched and sneezed with quite a roar!
Chaos, chaos, all the more!

Before I understood this mess, the crow flew in (with no finesse)
All sprawling and sideways it did impend
And when it came a-landing, I just stood there standing
“Most surely this has happened before;
Possibly in some sort of old folklore?
“Yes, a forgotten poem, and nothing more.”

There it perched on the bust, of some Greek-god I trust
Cocking its head in a doleful manner.
It looked grossly dull upon that decorated skull
And I waited for it to say a word or four
But standing there became quite a bore
Yet I stayed-just to make sure!

I watched as my soul grew quiet, I wanted it to talk like parrot.
For I know I missed a companion
Which got me thinking, and led my heart to sinking
On the figure of my lost damsel Lenore!
The one who was christened Lenore!
Reminiscing thus, and nothing more.

Amidst my unruly thought, I heard! I noticed! I caught!
A sound from the awkward bird of ebony
Intelligible at best, but still I obsessed!
“You have completed the chore!
Now just a word or two – I implore!”
A noise it made, but nothing more.

In place of wanted talk, it merely let out a squawk.
Awhile my malice was slowly building
“Speak! You dumb bird! I thought I heard
A word emit from your beak for sure!
I won’t give up: this means war!
“A permanent battle forevermore!”

At this the crow flinched, and so stiffly it clinched
That the bust which it sat cracked right to the ground.
With the bird in the air, and my gaze with its stare
We met eye-to-eye: that crow and I bore
The burden of unadulterated, painful eyesore
A pathetic staring contest, and nothing more.

As I grabbed a bat, I swung and I swat
I swirled and twirled and mingled and mired
Until the bird I did hit, and with its wing split
It flew out the window; right into the snow
So I closed the shades as I foreswore
To teach that crow nevermore!

Brain Food and Juice

2010-01-08T20:04:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't a factual statistical post, this is just a fun creative post, once again with my childhood thoughts. Did you ever, as I did much when I was young, like to think, that by eating certain foods it would directly add to your brain matter? Or drinking certain juices would add to the intelligence of your thought flow? Now, this may be true, but I always loved to think of eating peanut butter as directly increasing my knowledge. Also, drinking smoothies would add capacity to my thinking patterns. Getting a juicer this Christmas has re-awakened this old way of thinking, and I love to imagine that each type of fruit or vegetable I add puts in a different type of intelligence. Like maybe 3 Apples with 2 Carrots and a Pear is great for memory capacity and efficiency, whereas maybe 2 Apples, half a cucumber, a handful of grapes and a little bit of lemon would improve logic!

I just thought I'd share my little fantasy with you all. Have a great weekend!

Assassin's Creed II Review for Xbox 360

2010-01-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

With tremendous success from the game's predecessor, Assassin's Creed, Ubisoft wanted to step it up and see what improvement could be obtained in Assassin's Creed II. With more weapons, armor, and climbing tactics, this game really packs a punch. The developers were interested primarily with evolving the story's plot and improving the combat capabilities as well. Ubisoft took Assassin's Creed II to a whole new level by creating it as a sort of historical fiction. Artist Leonardo De Vinci makes a significant appearance, leader of Florentine Lorenzo de' Medici appears as well, and even Pop Alexander VI contributes to the story. Integration with these historical figures up the game's excitement and authenticity. With a vast array of weapons and attack combos, combat in this game is extraordinary. You can purchase weapons to use, pick up fallen weapons on the ground, or even take weapons from enemies to fight with. Combat abilities include lunging, dodging, blocking, grabbing, countering, and even taunting. Animations for countering have also improved, with more realistic movements and many varieties as well.

In the game you control Desmond Miles during the year 2012, who starts off escaping Abstergo Industries with employee Lucy Stillman. Once you arrive at your new location, you meet several new characters before entering the "Animus", which allows Desmond to recall and relive the memories of his ancestors. Instead of controlling Altaïr ibn La-Ahad from the early 12th century like in the first game, your memories progress to the late 15th century as you control Ezio Auditore da Firenze from Italy. When your father and brothers are murdered, you receive orders to take armor and equipment from a room in your house which turns out to be the Assassin's garments (your father's), and a single sword. Many references to Assassin's Creed are included, such as the Apple of Eden (a Piece of Eden seen in the previous game), a brief reenactment of an endeavor of Altaïr where he can actually be controlled, and many signs left by Subject 16-the test subject from Abstergo just before Desmond-who hacked the Animus and left clues for Desmond strewn throughout Italy.

Gameplay can best be described as open-world. While the game follows a tight story line, it can be interrupted at almost any time so you can complete various sidequests. There is virtually nothing Ezio can't climb! Bounding from rooftop to rooftop, scaling high walls, and leaping from an awning to swing on a post proves best use of environment is mandatory for catching thugs, following officials, and when in pursuit of a time-based mission. Guards are fought frequently, such as in the first game, and with three different kinds of soldiers, it makes attack-and-runs all the more challenging. There are the Agiles, who are best at keeping up with your speed, Brutes who are the strongest fighters, and Seekers who will check hiding places in search of you: no longer can you hide in a bale of hay and simply lose your enemies! Fighting feels a lot like the previous game's combat, but with more abilities. Variety in fighting will cause the enemy to be defeated more easily. But when Ezio is overwhelmingly outnumbered, you can always hit the streets or even dive in water for escape.

Controlling has been nearly perfected. I didn't hardly have a problem with controlling Ezio's various acrobatic movements, which is very important as there are many places where you rely on the accuracy of control. Buttons have been ingeniously formatted to fit practically any free-roaming situation. Holding the right trigger button changes the function of many of the other buttons, thus giving you many ways to maneuver. Blending using a button has been omitted, and the action can now be accomplished by mingling with a select crowd of individuals. I have no complaints about the camera in the game, and am also eager to praise it. With a control stick dedicated to movement of the camera, a first-person perspective option and even a contextual camera at command, the game's viewing is extremely flexible and you should have no problem keeping up with your Assassin's movements.

The game's presentation is fantastic. Ubisoft developed three short movies preceding the release of the game with real actors. This went a long way to develop the background story of the game and adds to its real feel. The graphics are phenomenal, and the voice acting is authentic. Environments look realistic with careful textural detail and convincing lighting and shading qualities. Almost all environmental objects react realistically when touched. The game's music also enhances the game, remaining either pleasant or exciting and never becoming boring or obnoxious.

This game is rated M for Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, and Strong Language. I would say this rating is accurate, as over a dozen occurrences of the F-word appear, as do a few other expletives. Blood and gore are most prominent also, although blood can be turned off in the games options menu. Also, an in-game cutscene hinting at sexuality is brief, but still present. Another negative element in the game is the moral, which is unseen at first, but presents the opinion that any sort of religion is false.

These elements aside, Assassin's Creed II is an excellent game. Crafted with an historical edge and an even more free-world style, this game can easily be rated a 9.3/10. It even possesses decent replay value, as collecting all 100 feathers, piecing together the remaining glyphs and obtaining the rest of the Assassin's tomb seals will keep you going even after the story is finished. For historical interest, a database is provided with information on people, places, and events relevant to the story. The map also reveals areas not yet explored, and various sidequests remain from requested assassinations to city races. If you've played through the game's storyline, you'll probably be saying, "I can't wait for Assassin's Creed III!"

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T21:52:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a happy new year!

Here at Zoodle, we have many plans for 2010...most of which will be revealed at a later time. However, for now I'll hint that a new Innovation Proclamation is neigh, and mention that soon you will be introduced to a recently-emerging project that will give you a cause to fight for.

Just a few teasers to jumpstart the new year! I hope you're as excited as I am. =)

Merry Christmas 2009!

2009-12-24T10:28:00.000-08:00

The Christmas season...is a joyous time. It's when the family gets together and decorates a tree, gathers near a fire to roast chestnuts, and simply enjoy each other's company. But most importantly, it's a time to give to one another and to honor God's Son.

We want to wish you a very merry Christmas here at Zoodle, and also remind everyone to keep Christ in Christmas. Maybe we should even remind everyone to keep Christmas in Christmas. ~~All this Happy Holidays stuff is really driving me nuts;~~ remember that Jesus was born, and we celebrate His birthday tomorrow!

Unfortunately, this year hasn't brought us too much snow in Tacoma. Oh well. That's not going to stop the spirit of the season!

Zoodle's 1 year Anniversary

2009-12-23T09:32:00.000-08:00

Has it been one year already? Well, considering exactly 365 days have passed since the blog's debut post, I guess that would make today its first year anniversary. I think now would be a good time to reflect on Zoodle's progress thus far...

1. We've managed to keep writing faithfully and not abandoning Zoodle altogether in the first place. It's an all-too-common tragedy that many-a-blog faces wherein an author becomes either too busy or lazy to write (or in this case, "zoodle"): we've managed to stay out of this rut! Let's hope it stays that way.

2. We've found our blog's color and themes that work and have stuck with them. Experimenting is always a good idea, but the switch from rainbow-colored letters in our logo to straight orange was definitely an improvement! Also the light green, orange and blue colors do well to give Zoodle its authentic edge.

3. We've added additional authors to write posts. Having five authors has made Zoodle all the more interesting and unique. I believe it's probably the most significant step this blog has taken to date. What's better than a person pursuing something thoughtfully? Several persons pursuing something thoughtfully!

4. The zoodle characters (creatures?) have given our blog a personality. Not only have they inspired the Resighk Man and The Incredible KayNein stories, but the zoodles have served as a vehicle for some of our posts of satire, and our innovation proclamation. How do you think Zoodle Inc. got started, anyway?

5. Zoodle has been read by a vast variety of audiences, from the indicative inquisitive individual, to the searching sheet-music specimen. An article from this blog has even been read aloud in a high school classroom. Many of these recipients have even contacted us!

Hmm. So it seems this humble blog-the project that started a year ago-has turned out to be adequately decent. Of course it has many more roads to travel before it becomes amazing, but as long as we stay true to the generic theme of Zoodle, and follow the points of the innovation proclamation, perhaps one day this blog will be extraordinary!!

I guess you could say this is the first post of Zoodle's second generation. Wouldn't it be cool if I linked an annual post once every year to the year prior? Well, I guess we'll see what happens next year. For now, we wish you an upcoming Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

What defines a "Good Band?"

2009-12-18T21:27:00.000-08:00

Now, I'm going to start this by stating that I understand Music is a very frequented topic on Zoodle. In fact, it's probably one of the most consistent themes used on this blog! But that's not a bad thing in the least, since music is a heavily inspiring element. Depending on the song, music helps inspire one to Zoodle! In fact, just now I'm listening to a great classic by Dream Theater...

I felt moved to write on this subject just now because earlier I was having an online conversation with a friend about a particular band (Which will not be named) that I don't particularly like, but has a large fan base. I remarked that I found it weird they could be so popular, because in my opinion, they weren't anything special! Just a bland type of band...and I thought to myself, "What does it take to be a good band?" In the conversation, I listed a few qualities that I didn't think the band had, and my friend said they didn't need that to be a good bad.

When I hadn't thought deeply about it, I sort of assumed the qualities for being a "good" band, were to be Beautiful, have Appealing Sound, Exciting, Poetic, Unique, and/or overall talent. Some of those are a given, (Have appealing sound, talent) but not everyone cares for Exciting, or Poetic. So it comes down to pure opinion at this point, but can anything truly be judged from pure opinion?

I don't really have a solid conclusion for this one, I'm hoping some people can help me out! Post your ideas below!

Merry Christmas!

Hot Chocolate!

2009-12-09T18:43:00.000-08:00

What is better than a big, steaming mug of hot chocolate on a frigidly cold day? Um, not much. Today I was sitting in the big blue recliner chair in my living room, curled up with a blanket--and holding my hot chocolate. Outside the wind was biting, the trees were bare of all leaves, and it was so cold it can't even snow. Yeah, it's cold out there! But there I sat, all warmed up, observing the arctic world outside, and it was glorious.

Hot chocolate is perfect for warming up--both your insides and your hands, and it is so easy to prepare: "just add water!" So, right now as you are reading this, if you are cold, go fix yourself a cup of cocoa. It'll help, I promise!

The Decline of Music

2009-11-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

What has happened to music? Back in Jane Austin’s day, all accomplished young ladies were required to know how to play at least the piano, and play well too. And even through half of the 20th century, high schoolers would often gather together around a piano, singing songs that were familiar to all of them. Making music was an enjoyable part of their lives, and they weren’t ashamed to sing out loud. Nowadays, do you ever see that?

No, now people think you’re horribly deprived if you don’t have an iPod, or don't know all the popular songs on the radio. And singing accompanied only by a piano? Ouch, maybe more of us should take voice lessons.

I think it would be so cool to be able to enjoy music the way our grandparents and great-grandparents did, but in our technology-dependant world, it’s looking pretty impossible. Now the times have changed, and the only way your average Joe is going to sing is with the radio blasting loud enough to drown out his own voice.

Hey, look at this awesome app I found on iTunes! Everybody should get this! Then no one would have the awful inconvenience of owning a piano!

Quick Musings on Happiness in general

2009-11-25T22:11:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the long period gap between posts, we at Zoodle have been very busy with all our other important meetings, and work related issues...*cough cough* but anyhow, I thought I'd write a small post on being happy.

When we are happy, most of the time, there has been a specific cause for us to have this renewed burst of joy. Maybe you just had a great time with your friends, found out you were going to get a puppy, or maybe even you are going out to ice cream with your family, but nevertheless, it brings you temporary happiness.

You can't really describe happiness...it's just feeling great. I mean, when you feel great, you are happy, and most of the time when you are happy, you feel great. They go hand in hand with each other, but you can't really describe the taste, or sensation of it.

Now that I've just given you a bunch of thoughts that you have probably already determined for yourself, time for my opinion of it all. Some of you may scoff, but I think that the default should be happiness. With all that is out there, and the purpose in our life, why shouldn't we be happy? Even when situations are in the dumps, we always know that we will never have any challenge too difficult for us to face. But as the fallen human race we are, we tend to forget this, and disparage about minor things, that seem big at the time, but turn out to be tiny in the whole grand scheme of things.

When you take a step back, and look at this in perspective, it kind of makes you laugh at yourself. When something "Makes you happy," all it's really doing is simply reminding you that life really is good, and that we have a purpose. I'm not saying that it's wrong to get super excited or happy for something in particular, in fact, I think it's great! But we need to keep that attitude always, maintaining a cheerful attitude even in the worst.

Have a great Thanksgiving weekend, and grasp the joy and thanks you will share tomorrow and keep it for the rest of the years to come. Cheers!

(P.S. It's Post 64, which is my favorite number!! Awesome! Now I'm happy! ;D)

Sickness = Zoodless

2009-10-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

As we can see from the picture up above, being sick is no fun. But is that all sickness does to you? Deprive you of fun? Nope. Sickness is actually one of a Zoodler's worst enemies, along with dull thoughts, unimaginative brains, and more. The reason sickness falls under this category, is that sickness can turn even the most creative chap into a Dunder-Headed person.

As you can see in the figure above, sickness (Represented by the Green) blocks all creative ports in your brain from connecting and forming an idea. On the left, you see the Healthy person, whose Knowledge Port, (Red) Experience Port, (Brown) Fun Port (Dark Blue) and Imagination Port (Purple) are all flowing their respective juices into the Idea Port (Light Blue) to make all sorts of wonderful Ideas, Zoodles, and other thoughtful pursuits. Now the unhealthy brain to the right, on the other hand, isn't getting any ideas, because the sickness is blocking off each port and coating the Idea port with extra sickness. This is how Sickness blocks off creative ideas.

So now you know about the dangers of sickness, wash your hands before you eat, stay away from peeling paint, and wipe your shoes at the door! Hmm? What's that? Oh am I sick? Yes, as a matter of fact I am. So...?

Hello World!

2009-09-28T18:39:00.000-07:00

Greetings, everyone out there. Queso here. I am highly honored to be the newest addition to Zoodle, and will endeavor to post regularly (although most likely posts will be far and few between =}). Currently, I am feeling low on creative juices, so this post is going to be, well, boring. Thanks for inviting me on board!

In Defense of Nightwish...

2009-09-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

Oh, the love! Oh, the hate! Oh, the confusion surrounding the symphonic power metal band, Nightwish! Due to the many arising controversies concerning this band, I have decided, in defense of Nightwish, to unearth the many qualities this group possesses in the following statements.

To this day, Nightwish remains my all-time favorite band. First and foremost, I believe Nightwish is immersed in numerous nuances of sound and lyric. Secondly, they are unmistakably unique and authentic, and definitely not dull or boring. Thirdly, their songs are written and composed by a brilliant keyboardist and poet, Tuomas Holopainen. Lastly, I will convey my feelings towards each of the female vocalists, both Tarja Turunen and Anette Olzon.

Some of you might be wondering; what is Nightwish? Nightwish is a female-fronted orchestral-rock band from Finland. They started in 1997 and are currently working on an album-in-progress. Since 1997, they have released 9 albums and numerous singles. From 1997-2005, Tarja Turunen was their lead vocalist. With an operatic style, she defined the essence of the band. In 2005 and the years afterward, Anette Olzon took over the role of lead vocalist. She had a different style, being influenced from Simone Simons from Epica and Sharon den Adel from Within Temptation. The band continues to create award-winning music and shaping the symphonic power metal genre.

One of the defining features of Nightwish are the orchestral accompaniments to metal. A symphony put to metal is one of the coolest ideas ever thought of in music! Syncing electric guitars, vocals and violins (most evident in songs such as Bless the Child) sounds rich and authentic. Some may argue that metal detracts from the orchestra or visa-versa, however I plead quite the opposite. The composer, Tuomas Holopainen can manipulate the metal to enhance the symphonic properties of the music. The dramatic, beautiful symphony can be aided by the course, backbone of metal. With the assistance of female vocals, Holopainen is able to create an extremely epic-like air to the music he creates.

Influenced by extremely gifted composers such as Hans Zimmer, poets such as Walt Whitman, and authors such as J. R. R. Tolkien, Holopainen embeds many metaphors and allegories in his songs. While most of his early Nightwish song lyrics consisted of mythological and fantasy elements, such as metaphysics and nature, but eventually he shifted to a more personal style. Tarja Turunen is quoted as saying (during their 2002 album, Century Child) that the lyrics no longer deal, "with the dreamland we were used to, but with the brutal reality of life."

Whether the transition from female singers Tarja Turunen to Anette Olzon was good or bad move on Nightwish's part, is constantly debated over. Some adored Nightwish for their front-singer and were extremely disappointed when she was fired (the result of a disision by Holopainen enlightened in an open letter he sent to her). Others say they prefer Olzon and that they are glad the lead singer changed. Personally, I prefer the original singer, Turunen, but openly embrace the style of the new singer, Olzon, as well. The most important part is, the Nightwish songs with Turunen continue to live on to be enjoyed...

All-in-all, Nightwish is a fantastic band that creates authentic, thrilling, and unique sound unparalleled by many others.

Weird is the new cool

2009-09-17T15:48:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or do you find it really, odd, annoying, trying, or all of the above when people say, "Green is the new Black" or, "Stupid is the new cool" or something to that effect? It really bothers me. Because what they are trying to do, is either, change the meaning of a word, thus altering the "Hip" language and creating possibilities for kids to say things they don't mean anymore, or they make certain actions ok. It falls under the same line as using words for uses that make no sense! Try 40 or so years ago when they'd say, "That's solid man!" Solid? What's the point of that?

And this is the king of all kings. Now in Merriam Webster's Dictionary, the definition of "Literally" is

1 : in a literal sense or manner : actually literally> literally insane>
2 : in effect : virtually literally turn the world upside down to combat cruelty or injustice — Norman Cousins>

usage Since some people take sense 2 to be the opposite of sense 1, it has been frequently criticized as a misuse. Instead, the use is pure hyperbole intended to gain emphasis, but it often appears in contexts where no additional emphasis is necessary.

We have twisted the meaning of Literally so badly, that now it can mean its exact opposite! Is that disturbing or what?

Anyway, continue with your lives, and just remember, "If at first you don't fricassee, fry fry a hen."

The whole and perfectness of eggs

2009-09-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or is there something satisfying in holding an egg? You would be in the Kitchen, and your mom might be making cake mix, or brownies, and so she gets out the eggs. You become giddy, as your mom lets you crack an egg into the mix. But even before the cracking, when you are holding the egg in your palm, there's a feeling of perfectness. Just the perfect white, round, cold and slightly rough texture of the egg that makes it very awesome to hold. I would always hold it with my hand cupped around it for the most amazing experience possible. And then there is the moment of truth: Cracking the egg to the bowl. Well, it's time to say bye to your friend, the perfect egg, and you crack the egg on the bowl with a satisfying smack, and you pour out it's contents, and look on it all, with a bit of pride, knowing that you did a job well done. You appreciated the egg's roundness, appreciated it's texture when smacking it, and soon, you'll enjoy it's flavor. Overall, a joyous experience...

An Epic epic: Beowulf

2009-09-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

Beowulf is an epic written in the earthy times, sometime between the 8th and 11th century. It's one of the finest and most precious pieces of Poetry in Old English, and I, will be studying it sometime later this year in my studies.

And as a side note: I have heard the Movie Beowulf completely twists the story around, so I would not recommend it.

The poem is about the Geaton King Hygelac's Nephew, Beowulf, and how he and 14 companions sail to aid the Danish King Hrothgar. The Danish King's Hall, Heorot, has been ravaged by a savage beast called Grendel for 12 years. Grendel, the monster in human form, has been rendering the Hall uninhabitable, and so this is Beowulf's quest: To rid the Hall of the beast. When Beowulf and his men have arrived, they eat and drink in the hall with the Danes, until the night comes when all but Beowulf and his fellows withdraw from the hall. Slowly, as the night wore on, all of Beowulf's men fell asleep, and when they had, Grendel came and struck out at them all. In the surprise, one of Beowulf's dear friends was killed to his distraught. Beowulf was the only one awake, and though unarmed, managed to wrestle the beast, and with his might strength, mortally wound the beast and have it flee. They then followed the trail of blood to find Grendel.

The Danes now had nothing to fear, and so they all resided in the Hall that night. Safe as they thought they were, the hall was raided by Grendel's mother (She must have been a tough cookie!) and she took one of the Danish Nobles and ran away. But the fearless Beowulf boldly raced after her under the waves into a secret vault. They fought there, and Beowulf bravely defeated Grendels mother. It was there that the body of Grendel lay, and so, when Beowulf emerged from the waves, it was with the severed head of Grendel that he cheered the victory won!

After being richly rewarded by Hrothgar, Beowulf returned to his native land. Hygelac heard his story and showered him with land and money. During the reign of Hygelac and Hygelac's son, Heardred, he was the most well off man in the kingdom. And when Heardred was killed, in a battle with the Sweedes, Beowulf becomes the King of all Gotland.

Beowulf reigned for 50 years in unending prosperity, until a merciless Dragon comes to the land and starts causing destruction. The Dragon residing in a Burial mound, full of treasure, burned even the royal hall to the ground. The Aged King Beowulf resolves to fight this Dragon unaided but for 12 of his warriors. They travel to the mound, and when they reach the entrance, Beowulf places himself by the opening, and shouts a cry of defiance to the Dragon. The Dragon hearing this, rushes with fire gushing out of his jaws, to Beowulf and overpowers him. The sight is such a horrid, awful and pitiable sight, all of the warriors but one run away in fear. The one remaining, Wiglaf, though yet untried in battle, did not run, nor did he flee when even Beowulf told him too, attacked, and helped overturn the tide of battle, and together they did slay the beast, though not without a mortal blow to Beowulf. In Beowulf's last moments alive, Wiglaf shows him the treasures in the cave they have found. Beowulf names Wiglaf successor to the thrown, and then lays his head down...one...last...time....

When Wiglaf and the others return to Gotland to project the news, the people mourn for the loss of their hero, their King Beowulf, and they have a cremation for the king, in which his body is consumed along with the treasure that was found. Wiglaf becomes King, and honors Beowulf, by having 12 Warriors parade around his ashes.

That is the touching, memorable, and wonderfully poetically structured Epic that I will be studying. And though it be 3182 lines, let this keep you not from reading it. And now live the rest of your life, and hopefully, somewhere in your heart, you will have a new respect, for the Heroic, the Brave, the King Beowulf.

A Tribute to a Tribute

2009-08-30T17:07:00.000-07:00

Today is the 200th year anniversary of the birth of Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr; a brilliant poet, author, physician, professor, and lecturer from America.

As a Harvard graduate, he pursued law briefly before settling into a medical profession. He engaged in writing at an early age, and had many of his works published to the The Atlantic Monthly (a magazine named by Oliver himself). Additionally, he won numerous honorary degrees from many universities, comparing him to many of the other Boston's literary elites such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and James Russell Lowell of whom he knew personally.

A work of his, "Old Ironsides", is a poem he wrote on September 16, 1830 as a tribute to the 18th century frigate, the USS Constitution.

Old Ironsides by Oliver Holmes

Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!
Long has it waved on high,
And many an eye has danced to see
That banner in the sky;
Beneath it rung the battle shout,
And burst the cannon’s roar; —
The meteor of the ocean air
Shall sweep the clouds no more.

Her deck, once red with heroes’ blood,
Where knelt the vanquished foe,
When winds were hurrying o’er the flood,
And waves were white below,
No more shall feel the victor’s tread,
Or know the conquered knee; —
The harpies of the shore shall pluck
The eagle of the sea!

Oh, better that her shattered hulk
Should sink beneath the wave;
Her thunders shook the mighty deep,
And there should be her grave;
Nail to the mast her holy flag,
Set every threadbare sail,
And give her to the god of storms,
The lightning and the gale!

The ZoodleMobile!

2009-08-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

Yes folks, it's arrived! Rolled right out of the Zoodle Factory! The ZoodleMobile! It's the Zoodles pride and joy, and they are so happy about it! It was made all by the Zoodles, with a little bit of help from Spore Vehicle Editor, and it's flowing with imagination. It runs on Creative juices, so no need to worry about gas.

Note the Pencil on the top, along with the light bulb. The propeller was made in hopes that it would fly, but alas, it could not lift the car, so it's more of a sign of the Zoodles idea. Who knows? Maybe someday there will be a Zoodle Plane? Or a Zoodle Boat? Could one day, there possible be a...Zoodle Space Ship? Who knows what the Zoodle Factory will build next? As long as Creativity, Imagination, and Motivation remain, they can build anything!

Microsoft's Zune HD will release September 15

2009-08-12T09:28:00.001-07:00

Incredible...the incredible Zune MP3 player made by Microsoft is coming with a touch version: Zune HD. This innovative device will feature HD radio, multi-touch, pristine accelerometer (better than even the iTouch or iPhone), a 3.3-inch touch-screen OLED display, high-definition video output, internet browser, potential apps store, "mixi view" showing related artists, HD video streaming with Xbox 360 and a lot more. Some other innovative features like radio song tagging and downloading make this device a standout, not to mention it is one of the first released devices to release radio HD.

Music has never been this interactive. With a downloaded album, you will recieve an artist bio and artist-relevant infromation during play (which is an optional feature).

If you want to see a hands-on video of the Zune HD, you can see it here.

16 and 32 GB models will be available at $220 and $290 respectively. To be compared with the iTouch's prices...the 16 and 32 GB models for those Apple devices are $299 and $399 respectively.

Looks like Zune is once again trumping the iPods previous models. All of the zoodles at the Zoodle Factory are ready to sell their iTouches and get their new Zune HDs.

We're all pumped for this brand-new device!

Edit: Click here for a 360 view of this glossy new device!