Thyroid

You know, I don't envy most of you. Best of luck to you all. But I thought I'd say something... I'm fixing my life. I blew it up, fixed it, blew it up again and I've been taking four steps forward, three steps back. Things can and will improve if you set your mind to it. I know that sounds cheap, but it's true. It really is true. If I can do it - and I am a backwards swamp creature, alright? You couldn't spread what was good about me over burnt toast - then anyone can. Again, best of luck to you all.

Today I found out that Glenn Beck has a best-selling novel out. It's like the Onion, except without all the good stuff and more of the bad than you could spill in a bathtub. Synopsis: "A public relations executive and the woman he loves fight to expose a conspiracy to transform America." My brain has exploded. Always wanted to read these, especially the Auster books. I read about absurdism one time and the article mentoned that the trilogy explored the idea. I've been interested since.

Nappi, I asked a sci fi-loving friend of mine for recommendations and he told me to mention Richard Morgan (Altered Carbon) or any short story collection by Charles Stross (some of which you can read online).

Nope. Though it's led me to take an interest in science fiction. I have a few Arthur C. Clarke novels on my shelf that I haven't read yet, for example.

The only science-fiction books I've read are 2001: A Space Odyssey and A Clockwork Orange, both of which I can recommend, with the knowledge that: 1. 2001 has offended people who hate evolution; 2. A Clockwork Orange is pretty violent. They're both good, though.

I assume you mean the old one. The old Bad Lieutenant from 1993 is an excellent movie.

Forbin, maybe it'd be a good idea to actually cite examples of this alleged hatred? Or, you know, to let it go?

I've been watching the Futurama movies. Not as good as Seasons 1-3, but they had their moments. I think the last one is my favorite, because I have a thing for a bittersweet ending.

I can vouch for this. They even take simple kissing or making-out to a whole new level.

Thomas Pynchon.

Man, this game is fun. Played a bit at a friend's house today. It has excellence. Will be buying as soon as my boss gives me my paycheck.

Excited for this. I haven't looked forward to a game so much, ever, with the exception of every game I've been hyped about. Okay, no, I am pumped for this. Bring it on. You can't go wrong with a game that actually has a character called Sparkles the Wizard.

Alright. I think the lady at the bookshop will be wondering what's with all the sci-fi and love-advice books I'll be picking up on my next trip to the shop. Thanks for recommending.

I got asked out today. Twice. Said no, but "maybe later". Crazy.

I broke it off. No regrets. Already moved on. Phew. Will read any recommended books, though.

Bah, I'll bite the bullet and read it. I mean, I have enough experience to get by; but I've never been so tormented by someone I hardly know. I hope I'm not in love or anything. Man, love is bad, like running backwards on a treadmill while someone tells you the ending to what could've been your favorite movie. (Also, calling her a witch was just a joke.)

I say this with my head continually slamming on my table: I should have become a monk, joined a brotherhood, dressed up in LotR attire, invaded Britain like the Normans and been chucked in a mental hospital. Anything except the female sex. Goddamn. Five girlfriends on, loads of brooding and thinking and yet I still feel bad when I fight with whoever I'm dating. If this is love, thennn fuck it, I'm sticking with the treadmill and a life of lonely desperation. I may or may not join a nunnery and/or a monastery in the upcoming 24 hours. Here's to you, women, for the amazing power to make men feel like utter crap just because we may have said a very silly thing at a time when you weren't feeling like you wanted to hear silly things. (Witches.)

I'm going to get a sex change and then become a nun. That's it. I am done with women. Maybe I'll just shave my head and become a monk. Something.

Yeah, it is. Haven't finished it yet, but wanted to mention it has the best line in Telltale history: "Erasers, sir? The foundation of all democracy?" Clever, snappy writing.

Never really got a story out of Half-Life, besides seeing a random guy in a blue suit watching me all the time. I appreciate what they tried to do there, but I keep thinking about how I'd have done it differently. *shrug*

I'm happy he's changed his "Games can never be art" position, but I will say this: games aren't really art. I mean, I love shooting the Combine just as much as every other non-real world savior, but very, very few games have ever managed to engross me emotionally based on their gameplay alone. I mean, I've been hooked before. Monkey Island, Grim Fandango, Full Throttle, Ico, Portal, Shadow of the Colossus. All great games that told good stories or provided great experiences. But a lot of the time that resonance comes from cutscenes. I haven't played a game yet that does away with every single moment of cutscene. No cutscene. Ever. Even Portal had two (the very opening and the very end), and it's as close as games have ever come to being 100% free. I want something more like Ico, where Yorda's trust of Ico grows through the gameplay itself. Then, I think, games will get very interesting.

The old Bad Lieutenant from 1993 - the one with Harvey Keitel - is an excellent movie. Not because of the way it was shot (which I remember was decent), but because of the performances and the goddamn story. One of the most fitting endings in movie history.

Yeah, I heard (from a pretty good source) that it's one of the animators doing the voice. I think it's so-so. Defo needs a bit more enthusiasm in places.

Songs from people I've been listening to lately. Zl4OtSjTyNU 3mJ4dpNal_k

Anyone else hear about this game? "Intriguing" - IGN.com