A cybernetic future with humans and robots coexisting is a concept that will inevitably be realized. Masamune Shirow is one of Japan's leading manga writers that forgo the concept and strive to make it a reality in the minds and imagination of fans of the concept. His two main works are Appleseed and Ghost in the Shell and I'm looking to squelch my interest in Shirow's work.
To those interested, you can find his books on Amazon, links below:
Ghost in the Shell, Volume 1
Ghost in the Shell, Volume 1.5
Ghost in the Shell, Volume 2
I'll share my thoughts and interpretations as I read more of Shirow's work.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wii Modification Woes
MadWorld came in today, but I can't play it because it requires what lots of newly released games require, an update. Having had modified my Wii's firmware, I understand that upgrading the Wii's firmware can cause irreversible damage to it. I'm also aware that it could do nothing, but I'm taking any risks. I'll just have to wait patiently with the other WiiBrew chumps until the new firmware (3.5) has been fully tested and stamped with WiiBrew's seal of approval. Until then, GAH! :(
Buying the Sony PRS-700BC
So, contrary to one of my last posts, the SonyCard promotion for $200 off a single $349+ purchase does not apply to anything outside SonyStyle.com or Sony stores. Even though their wording was a bit vague, I'm not upset, since these things happen with offers that are too good to be true.
If you've read my last post, you would know that I was robbed recently. I won't do into details about the incident since you can read about it here, but I wasn't paying much attention to my surroundings. I was reading manga with my PSP with it's picture viewer. It allows you to quickly zoom and pane images; a great feature not without it's flaws. Constant zooming and panning is an arduous task. But enough of that, the point is I wanted to read on the go, that's why I was carrying my PSP in the first place. So with the SonyCard plan not working out as anticipated, I've decided to get an e-reader.
If anyone reading this has an e-reader, whether it be Sony, Amazon or Panasonic brand, please share your experiences with them. I'm interested on hearing what you all think of it even though I've already committed myself to Sony.
If you've read my last post, you would know that I was robbed recently. I won't do into details about the incident since you can read about it here, but I wasn't paying much attention to my surroundings. I was reading manga with my PSP with it's picture viewer. It allows you to quickly zoom and pane images; a great feature not without it's flaws. Constant zooming and panning is an arduous task. But enough of that, the point is I wanted to read on the go, that's why I was carrying my PSP in the first place. So with the SonyCard plan not working out as anticipated, I've decided to get an e-reader.
If anyone reading this has an e-reader, whether it be Sony, Amazon or Panasonic brand, please share your experiences with them. I'm interested on hearing what you all think of it even though I've already committed myself to Sony.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Robbed on the CTA
The other night, I was robbed on the CTA Green Line train just as it was leaving the Laramie stop. I was naively using my PSP very openly while I had 3 black dudes hovered around me. The train had plenty of open seats so this should have flagged me to be more careful, but black kids are always on their feet roaming from cart to cart that I didn't anything of it. Given I had seen that one had taken notice of my PSP but I could not imagine they would actually snatch it from my hands. When it happened, the kid ran off and I immediately sprung up to pursue him but stopped before stepping foot on the platform when I noticed the stop we were at and remembered I was carrying a laptop worth much more than the PSP. It wasn't worth the risk if the other two boys we're anticipating me to give chase.
When I got to the Harlem stop, I drove to the CPD on Madison near Central. There, I only became more dissappointed at the lack of effort the officer that helped put into filling out the report. When he read it back to me, it read very well but it took nearly an hour during which I had to endure his demeanor. I wish I had walked up to the female officer instead, she seemed to actually want to work.
I drove to the train station after my report to get some more information. When I arrived, a young girl was in the CTA help booth, red eyed. She had also been robbed by someone fitting the same description I had given. I left feeling substantially worse about my well being while riding the train.
Fortunely for me, I hardly use my PSP. I'll miss it because I love electronics and because it was a gift from my girlfriend but aside form those reasons of many others. (Although, reading comics on it was pretty nice) What anyone reading this should take from my story is that if whatever you are carrying can't be securely fastened to your body, you shouldn't be bring it with you on the train. And as for filling out police reports, all you're doing as adding yourself as a statistic that Mayor Daley might eventually get around to seeing. Don't expect to get any feeling of comfort by doing so, on the contrary, I feel even more powerless than ever. And be more aware of your surroundings. The Green Line Laramie stop has no cameras so it's the ideal location to pull off a robbery.
Be aware and be safe you guys.
***update***
I received a follow-up call from the CPD this afternoon. It seems they take CTA crimes seriously and like to learn from every report. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to provide many additional details but I'd like to take back what I said about feeling helpless. They were looking for details like which cart I was in, where the robber ran and if he was violent. It's part of a constant effort of being up-to-date with criminal behaviors to better serve the public. So now, a full 24 hours after the whole ordeal, I feel that by simply having filed a police report, CPD police are a little bit more aware of growing crime on the CTA trains. I hope to see more undercover officers riding the trains.
When I got to the Harlem stop, I drove to the CPD on Madison near Central. There, I only became more dissappointed at the lack of effort the officer that helped put into filling out the report. When he read it back to me, it read very well but it took nearly an hour during which I had to endure his demeanor. I wish I had walked up to the female officer instead, she seemed to actually want to work.
I drove to the train station after my report to get some more information. When I arrived, a young girl was in the CTA help booth, red eyed. She had also been robbed by someone fitting the same description I had given. I left feeling substantially worse about my well being while riding the train.
Fortunely for me, I hardly use my PSP. I'll miss it because I love electronics and because it was a gift from my girlfriend but aside form those reasons of many others. (Although, reading comics on it was pretty nice) What anyone reading this should take from my story is that if whatever you are carrying can't be securely fastened to your body, you shouldn't be bring it with you on the train. And as for filling out police reports, all you're doing as adding yourself as a statistic that Mayor Daley might eventually get around to seeing. Don't expect to get any feeling of comfort by doing so, on the contrary, I feel even more powerless than ever. And be more aware of your surroundings. The Green Line Laramie stop has no cameras so it's the ideal location to pull off a robbery.
Be aware and be safe you guys.
***update***
I received a follow-up call from the CPD this afternoon. It seems they take CTA crimes seriously and like to learn from every report. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to provide many additional details but I'd like to take back what I said about feeling helpless. They were looking for details like which cart I was in, where the robber ran and if he was violent. It's part of a constant effort of being up-to-date with criminal behaviors to better serve the public. So now, a full 24 hours after the whole ordeal, I feel that by simply having filed a police report, CPD police are a little bit more aware of growing crime on the CTA trains. I hope to see more undercover officers riding the trains.
Friday, March 13, 2009
For Lack of Better Goals...
...I'll be learning to do a cartwheel with one hand. Took me a few months to learn a regular cartwheel but with the help of youtube and after hours at the office, I should be able to achieve this minor victory.
Oh, now while I'm on the topic of health and fitness, I may be joining a gym soon. Sony has a promotion going on until tomorrow where new members get 45 days to spend $350 on a single receipt. Considering XSport's 1 year membership costs $520 minus the $200, you're looking at $21 a month. That's a steal for a wildly popular gym that's open 24/7. Sorry to the people that would have liked to get on this deal but couldn't because of the timing of my post but keep in mind that this has been going on a lot lately with Sony. So, chances are they'll have another one just in time for summer, although probably not $200. That's $50 more than they were offering around Christmas.
Oh, now while I'm on the topic of health and fitness, I may be joining a gym soon. Sony has a promotion going on until tomorrow where new members get 45 days to spend $350 on a single receipt. Considering XSport's 1 year membership costs $520 minus the $200, you're looking at $21 a month. That's a steal for a wildly popular gym that's open 24/7. Sorry to the people that would have liked to get on this deal but couldn't because of the timing of my post but keep in mind that this has been going on a lot lately with Sony. So, chances are they'll have another one just in time for summer, although probably not $200. That's $50 more than they were offering around Christmas.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Economy
So, most of you have heard about job loses rising throughout the US. I get the feeling that those in the unemployment environment will fail to find work before their benefits run out. What does that mean to you? It means the worst has yet to come. Although most people are holding on to a fine thread when it comes their financial security, many have not been able to concrete themselves. Whether that means to spend less, save more, or find work, their problems are going to affect everyone's life.
Just how securities collapsed, people will collapse. When securities failed and the bailed out fleshed out, the people that caused this; that had not paid their mortgages were not affected the slightest. Their eviction likely meant a handful of rent free months and time to look for a place to rent. That's all well and good; this was the norm, but the institutions that had been affected would now unemphatically tighten their belts.
To those that could not afford to make payments on mortgages, or had re-financed, or lost their job, savings must be a low priority. With the unemployment at an all time high and with so many people still not forced out of their comfort zone, I fear people are not properly prepared for job loss or loss of unemployment benefits.
Aside from savings, violence will soon become an issue. Having never been a victim of a crime, I have this general assumption that many people have been willing to live in bad neighborhoods. With crime levels at all time lows, although obviously on the rise, people generally feel safe. Crime will get worse and will get out of hand to the point that it will affect society in a more mainstream way. Whether that be by way of more abandoned buildings, general lose of safety anywhere, public protests or general defiance of government, it does not matter. We will see it.
After years of positive growth, were due for something bad. When you get a sense of the greed and ignorance behind a lot of the recent growth, it makes me think we're due something I'd view along the lines of hell.
*After writing this, I've realized that this is extremely negative and probably accurately reflects my recent attitude, I'd like to make clear my message for the writing: Love your family and your neighbors, share advice and stories with them, save as much as you can and if possible, help those around you get out of debt. Mind your actions, mind your words, and enjoy your time with those you love.
Just how securities collapsed, people will collapse. When securities failed and the bailed out fleshed out, the people that caused this; that had not paid their mortgages were not affected the slightest. Their eviction likely meant a handful of rent free months and time to look for a place to rent. That's all well and good; this was the norm, but the institutions that had been affected would now unemphatically tighten their belts.
To those that could not afford to make payments on mortgages, or had re-financed, or lost their job, savings must be a low priority. With the unemployment at an all time high and with so many people still not forced out of their comfort zone, I fear people are not properly prepared for job loss or loss of unemployment benefits.
Aside from savings, violence will soon become an issue. Having never been a victim of a crime, I have this general assumption that many people have been willing to live in bad neighborhoods. With crime levels at all time lows, although obviously on the rise, people generally feel safe. Crime will get worse and will get out of hand to the point that it will affect society in a more mainstream way. Whether that be by way of more abandoned buildings, general lose of safety anywhere, public protests or general defiance of government, it does not matter. We will see it.
After years of positive growth, were due for something bad. When you get a sense of the greed and ignorance behind a lot of the recent growth, it makes me think we're due something I'd view along the lines of hell.
*After writing this, I've realized that this is extremely negative and probably accurately reflects my recent attitude, I'd like to make clear my message for the writing: Love your family and your neighbors, share advice and stories with them, save as much as you can and if possible, help those around you get out of debt. Mind your actions, mind your words, and enjoy your time with those you love.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Navy Pier IMAX
So, I ordered tickets to Watchmen for the opening show tonight at midnight but due to a shoddy online purchase, I have canceled my card. Now, I'm trying to contact them but the number on their website is utterly useless. I received this number from a polite woman at the Navy Pier administrative offices.
Online #: 312 595-5629
Administrative #: 312 595-5999
*Update: All you need is your confirmation number. :P
Online #: 312 595-5629
Administrative #: 312 595-5999
*Update: All you need is your confirmation number. :P
Monday, March 2, 2009
Pre-Ordering Games on Amazon
If you're pre-ordering games at Amazon, remember that if you choose Super Saver Shipping you're running the risk of delaying your ship date by 3 to 5 business days. Amazon tries to bundle your package with others to minimize shipping costs and pass the savings on to you.
So, if you're impatient, don't be frogal. Pay the additional shipping costs and enjoy your sooner rather than later.
*note: I'll be getting my copy of Killzone 2 on Saturday, a full week after initial release. I saved $15 on the total cost of the game so I guess it was worth it, although, I'd really like to get my hands on it. I found this out about talking to a lady in India talking via a string and cup. Make your life easier and have your order number at hand. If you can't prepare it ahead of time, maybe you shouldn't be calling at that time in the first place.
So, if you're impatient, don't be frogal. Pay the additional shipping costs and enjoy your sooner rather than later.
*note: I'll be getting my copy of Killzone 2 on Saturday, a full week after initial release. I saved $15 on the total cost of the game so I guess it was worth it, although, I'd really like to get my hands on it. I found this out about talking to a lady in India talking via a string and cup. Make your life easier and have your order number at hand. If you can't prepare it ahead of time, maybe you shouldn't be calling at that time in the first place.
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