School, Loss, and... Metroid?

For those keeping track, I download Super Metroid for the Wii's Virtual Console (I felt bad, having never played such a 'classic') and didn't regret it. The game is great, even for someone who doesn't necessarily like the genre, and I even beat it in under 7 hours (hey, 6:59 counts as "under"!). I don't think I'll ever try to beat it in under 3 (needed to get the "best" ending), but it was definitely a very enjoyable experience. That aside, on to more "important" things.

Georgia Tech is officially back in session for my (now final) semester and things are looking... interesting, to say the least. Our Senior design project has somehow become my brainchild (this can't be a good thing) and is definitely going to be fun to make (although it may take a lot of work). Internetwork Security (a.k.a. hacking) will either destroy me because I don't know enough networking or prove to be the best elective class I've ever taken. PUBP 4803 (regulations) is kind of interesting, but with 100+ pages a week to read I'm definitely swimming in text. PST 3127 (humanities, technology and ethics... or something like that anyway) looks to be an easy course, with <50 style="FONT-STYLE: italic">know that she understood less than half of the stuff I told her she always sounded so impressed or thrilled at what I was doing. She would never bug me about women, money, about "being sociable" or any of that other stuff that (I think) most people get from their parents. Instead, she would just be interested in exactly the things that interested me, and it gave me someone to springboard ideas and thoughts off of without worry for negative reactions or "well what I meant was..." double-back explanations.

Then she got really ill starting in Februrary or so, and when I would call she would often be sleeping or unable to muster the strength to talk. But she would always make sure that my grandfather (or whomever had answered) put the phone up to her ear so she could at least hear my voice. She had a few weeks where she was really feeling good, and would actually be able to talk, but it wasn't many. It was then I realized just what she - and in turn, I - were really going through.

By June, she was gone. It seemed like such a long time that we were making hospital visits, or coming over just to see that she was trying to sleep because she didn't sleep well that night. With my family around me, the only hard times were the funeral. With enough people around - and enough work to be done - I really never thought about what I was missing until now. I even catch myself sometimes wanting to pick up the phone and let her know of something that was going on - of scholarships and friends, or of academics and work - but I can't.

So while I can highly suggest that you spend the time with those closest to you while you still have it, I know that when the time comes, it won't really matter (except to ease feelings of guilt, perhaps). It'll be hard, and perhaps it won't hit you right away... but one day, you'll stumble into it and then it's just a giant, uncontrollable flood. That's not to say it's all bad... after all, she is in a "better place" and, one day, I hope to see her again. But "one day" just doesn't cut it when it isn't "today".

So, in acknowledgment of her birthday, I felt I should do something. One day I plan to finish the last puzzle I bought her and hang it in a frame, but what better way to let a loved one live on than to acknowledge that they are gone? It sounds backwards, I know, but to really remember all that she meant to me helps me to remember that I am where I am - and who I am - because of all the things she has done for me. And it's time to show her, wherever she is, that she will always be remembered and always be loved. I wish I had more time with her in this life, and it definitely makes me regret going to school so far away and not getting to come home as often, but I will always have the wonderful stories and great memories of the time we did spend together.

So, Grandma, for your birthday: Thank You. You meant so much to me. I miss you.

It's Prime Time!

In honor of the (rather amazing looking) Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, as well as the interesting stock market tumble on bad news from the sub-prime markets, the title receives the hackneyed phrase treatment.

For those of you who aren't gamers, skip this paragraph. I never got into Metroid Prime 1 and 2, although I did eventually beat both of them after buying them on the cheap, but Metroid Prime 3 looks deliciously tempting, almost to the point that waiting until Christmas to get it may be a bit too much. Keep an eye on this one or, if you have a Wii, go download some of the promo videos for free off of the shop channel. You will not be disappointed.

As for the sub-prime market, I really don't know where to begin on this one. Part of me feels sorry for the people suckered into the credit marketing scams and buying into those "low, low rates!" and "no money down, no interest for 1 year" fiasco's. To think that people still fall for these schemes - knowingly or unknowingly - is a testament to the failures of our society on a level greater than I can begin to even detail. On one hand, you are either such a consumerist and a spend-a-holic (both scientific terms, I assure you!), and you deserve all the trouble you put yourself into for your stupid "instant gratification" life style, buying beyond your means because you need to impress other people or somehow feel "entitled" to living the lifestyle of a white collar life style on a blue collar paycheck.

I understand that people need to spend a little, and that it's hard to avoid debt right after getting out of college, getting married, buying a house, having a baby, health issues, etc.
But when someone who is talking on their iPhone while they drink their $5 frappacino and filling up their sporty new BMW with premium gasoline and talking about how they "can't afford to pay that kind of money" on some basic necessity or talking about how their credit card company is "screwing" them on interest rates and late payment fees... I really feel no pity for you. Sure, I've never been left "wanting" on the basic necessities of life; my parents have worked hard to provide for me in my early life as well as even helping out a bit into my college education. But I've also had a job since I first hit working age (no one would take me at 15, I tried) and have done my part to provide those little 'extras' for myself because my parents were working hard enough just to provide for me.

But I never owned an iPhone. I don't drive some sporty, flashy car. I don't buy my clothing at Hollister and certainly don't look to purchase Oakley's when I need new glasses or Rolex's when I need a new watch. I have some basic phone that isn't even a camera, and try to make sure to never go over on minutes or send too many text messages. I drove a Chevy Malibu and, after an accident, a Nissan Sentra. My clothing looks good... in a Target (read: not to most other people), my sun glasses were $10 at Wal-Mart and I've never worn anything fancier than a $15 timex.

Do I live better than, say, 75% of the world? Probably. But that just means I don't starve. And don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with owning any of the above things. If you work hard, earn your way in life, and really want those, it is completely within your power to do so, and I congratulate you. But too many people now a days feel "entitled" to the same lifestyle as Bill Gates and Donald Trump, and who cares about the consequences! Next thing you know, they are defaulting on mortgages, being hounded by creditors, getting evicted from apartments and being turned down for loans and credit.

Then, what do they do? Complain more. They curse the credit industry for "harsh practices" and for being "inhumane". They toss up small-percentage occurrence anecdotes about poor old ladies who cannot use their social security payments to pay off their medicine and still get to eat. All this while blogging from Disneyland on their new laptops from the fancy on-site hotel. I don't ask that you live without a few luxuries in your life; some people will never understand how I can spend money on video games, but it is that which I enjoy most.

I just ask that, as one billboard I have seen suggests, you "act your wage". Save for your future (or at least your freakin' kids). Give to charities or those needier than you (I assure you, they exist). Stay on top of credit, stay out of debt, and keep yourself from all those impulse purchases. Learn to be happy with what you have, not what other people have. But don't feel afraid to spend on a few luxuries (within your means); you worked hard, you earned it. Just make sure, you know, you did that "working hard" part. Sometimes, the only times people will work hard is when they are fighting their creditors and finding a new way to scam the system for free money.

As for those of you still getting suckered into these scams legitimately: take that as a hard lesson learned. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Work hard, fly straight, and you'll get the chance at that life you want. Will you live getting everything you want? No. None of us do. But living with what you have, and being happy with it; that's where the hardest part of human financing comes in.

Racey

While my closest friends will tell you that I reach near "fanboy" levels with two companies - Blizzard and Nintendo - my love for games is obviously not limited to just the two companies. Some find it ironic that even though I seem to drool over new Nintendo items and games, or have day dreams about playing Blizzard games that don't even exist yet, my favorite game of all time is Final Fantasy VII on the Sony Playstation. While I have usually found myself perfectly content staring face-down at the stunning list of Nintendo and Blizzard titles that I own and perhaps even covet, some of my fondest memories (or biggest surprises) comes from third party gaming. (stay with me, this all connects together, I promise).

After playing (and enjoying) Resident Evil 1, 2, and 3 on the Playstation, it was really hard for me to get into any of the later games. Not owning a Sega System since the ill-fated purchase of the SegaCD made it hard to enjoy the games on those systems (Code Veronica, right?) and playing through REmakes just seemed like a poor waste of money. I even bought RE0 for the Gamecube for a low eBay price of $7, but couldn't talk myself into finishing the game. So when people kept telling me how awesome Resident Evil 4 was, I just tuned them out.

After breaking down and buying the game for some super-discounted price after several friends prepared to disown knowledge of my existence for not playing, I was shocked to see that, once again, the genre was new and innovative and, while it made me pull my hair out and freaked me out sometimes, a very entertaining experience. So, when I heard that Resident Evil 5 was only coming to PS3 (and, later, Xbox 360), I was somewhat disappointed (currently, my only "next gen" console is the Wii). Still, I followed the game because I wanted to see just where RE5 would take the series, and how Capcom could take this new formula and really polish it up into a true blockbuster.

So, when capcom finally realeased the trailer for Resident Evil 5, I was stoked. I tried frantically to find a live mirror and sat down to see just what "next gen" could do to the already stellar looking RE4 formula. This may not be for the "squeamish" of you out there, and while the HD trailer is really the only trailer to do the game justice, here is the trailer just to see what I am about to get into. Basically, we take RE4, remove Leon and replace him with Chris Redfield, throw in some really stunning visuals and place us in what looks like Africa with, you guessed it, zombies. Except, something is a little different...

When I first watched the trailer, I will admit I immediately notice that the zombies were not white. Then, I immediately knew what else would come along with it: the "race" card. Apparently, someone honestly believes that making these zombies "African" (as I doubt the are also American) is some form of white supremacist racism in it's most potent of forms. From the article written by the obviously crazed "Kym Platt",

"This is problematic on so many levels, including the depiction of Black people as inhuman savages, the killing of Black people by a white man in military clothing, and the fact that this video game is marketed to children and young adults. Start them young… fearing, hating, and destroying Black people."

Honestly, the only thing "problematic" is this post. Firstly, I don't see a "problem" with a game that is about zombies to appear both inhuman and savage, on any level. I've seen more inhuman savagery in Resident Evil 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, Code Veronica, Outbreak Files, REmake, and all the other Resident Evil spin off and side story games that I pretty much know what happens. Considering that the game takes place nearly every game within America (RE0-3, RE4 is in Europe, I don't knnow where the others take place), it is kind of expected - and accepted - that the savage things attacking me are white zombies. But - ho ho! - they are still just that: zombies. I don't care that they are white. I wouldn't care if they were purple and green. I also don't care if the are Dog Zombies, Scorpion Zombies, giant-zombies, or even invisible ninja-bug zombies (screw you, RE4): if they want me dead, I'm gonna fight back. They want my brains, and, honestly, I kind of like keeping them. I've never noticed - or cared - what the color of the zombie was that I was killing, so why start now?

And what is with the military clothing comment? Would she have preferred a white guy killing black people... in a clown suit? In the nude? No, I doubt it. I really see no basis for this. In the first few games, you were a member of a police squad (S.T.A.R.S.), was this an outcry and police brutality at the time? No! So what's the point now? Is our military so known for killing innocent Africans that someone feels this is directed towards them? Apparently this twisted human being thinks so, because she claims the game is targeted at children to "Start them young… fearing, hating, and destroying Black people".

Ok, really folks, now this is just nonsense. Apparantly a game written, directed, and programmed by a japanese company is being used to encourage the mass extinction of a race? Last I checked, Japan didn't have that significant of an look into "racial issues", which may be best for them considering the kind of idiotic reverse-racism that we receive over here from time to time. Really, the only thing this person is looking for is someone else to try and blame for a heap of problems and situations that cannot possibly be pinned on one place, time, person or thing.

But for someone who is so concerned about a game that is promoting "racial hatred", she sure does live in a messed up family. First and foremost, she believes that Resident Evil 5 is geared towards "children". Uh, since when? This ain't no Trix cereal, lady: We aren't talking about silly rabbits or chasing leprechauns for item-shaped marshmallows. We are talking about a "Mature" rated genre of games.

She later goes on to say that she had never even played Resident Evil, but that she would "love to play Resident Evil 4. I’ll go borrow it from my 10 year-old nephew". What is your 10 year old nephew doing playing a Mature rated game about killing significantly human-like creatures with guns, huh? Where is your high-and-mighty morality now, talking about how your family openly allows 10 year olds to play games like this, and yet you think this kind of material is geared "towards children"? Are your nephews also listening to Howard Stern and watching The Playboy Channel? Are you seriously concerned about the material seen in Maxim because your 5 year old niece uses it to learn how to read?

No, obviously not. And despite her obviously snobby attitude towards gamers, she seems to mean well on some level, right? I mean, if I read her correctly, she wasn't trying to say that they let her 10 year old nephew plays these types of games, instead what she was really trying to do was insult anyone who plays Resident Evil 4 because, apparently, she is above this "child-like" genre... but not enough to pay close attention and get riled up about it. Seriously, if you never played Resident Evil 4 - and need to go ask your "10 year old nephew" for a copy as a snide dig to those of us who honestly enjoy the game - what are you doing even looking at trailer for Resident Evil 5? Obviously you are not concerned at what we do at all, until you think you can turn it around as some vicious attack on the "white man" even though the game isn't even created within the United States, but in freaking Japan? Get serious.

But, no, she doesn't. Instead, she says this in response to someone asking if it was OK that people were shooting at white zombies in all previous games:

"Yes… I am more comfortable with the zombies being white. In fact, ALL zombies should be white from this day forth."

Then, her reverse racism shown for what it really is, she tries to save face by saying this in her comments:

"And, it was a bit tongue-in-cheek on my part, but I do find the images of violence against Black people to be problematic even if those Black people are supposed to be zombies or whatever."

and a little later in the same comment:

"The author of the original article is white and states as much. Would your responses be the same to that article since it was written by a white person? Or would you think that she was “crying racism” as well?"

Why yes, Kim, we would. Because it is ABSURD to accept something as "OK" because it is being done to a white person, but NOT ok when it is done to a black person. Of course, this is not just limited to white/black. On the show 24, there are several times where terrorists are first revealed to be Muslim (usually Muslim-Americans), only to have outcries from groups like CAIR and what not about how this "inaccurately portrays the Muslim community" and such. But, when the true plot line is revealed, we learn that, as always, the big bad rich evil white man is the one who mastermind it all, and the Muslims end up being sad puppets who are abused in their little game over money and power. Who cries then? Who sticks up for the honor, the dignity, and the respect of my people, huh? Why is it ok that a white man on 24 can be portrayed as: dumb, evil, power-hungry, mad, crazy, twisted, back-stabbing, two faced, a jerk, greedy, selfish and violent, and no one gets insulted or takes issue?

I realize that there are still many - in both America and abroad - with some problems of prejudice (different from racism), but this is not the way to go about "fixing" things. Calling out anything and everything as "racist" and hoping that this is blanket snuffs out the problem isn't going to help, it's only going to hurt. But I do ask you to remember this: When you are trying to stand up for your own people and their honor, their "misrepresentation", their "plight".... where are you when it comes to someone else's turn? Where are you when Christians get bashed and defamed in public, called "stupid" and laughed at? Where are you when world leaders spew hate and violence against Jewish and Christians alike? Don't think that we all don't know some form of hate; we do, you just never see it, because you are too busy looking at how you think people are possibly trying to hate on you.

It's a story - just let the story be. They are zombies, created by Umbrella Corp. and their mis-managed T-virus or G-virus or whatever it is this time around. And don't worry - the main villian (Whesker) still seems to be a white man, so all is well in the world!