DIY OBSESSION (...it's new)

So... I am slowly becoming obsessed with DIY. The other day on Pinterest I discovered the existence of Mod Podge. Anybody else ever heard of this stuff? I may be the only person on Earth who has never heard of it! Anyways, I did some research and found out what it’s for: AWESOMENESS! I haven’t bought any of the actual stuff yet (but I will SOON)! I have fantastic plans to re-do two end tables Ryan and I bought at an estate sale. One word: DECOUPAGE, which is the art of decorating something with cut-out something else, something flat, like paper or fabric, usually using Mod Podge (or something similar).

365 Days of DIY 

Recipe:

Mix 1 ½ cups of flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of any sort of oil, and 1 ¼ cup of water together in a saucepan or something similar on LOW heat. Stir until it becomes “pasty.” I used a whisk and it worked out perfectly. If you can make gravy, you can make paste. Pour into a Mason jar and apply a tight-fitting lid.

DO NOT USE this on serious projects. I haven’t tried it on wood, but I did decorate my cat’s play box today and I will tell you, it is just like papier-mâché. VERY, VERY fun for small crafty projects, though. I would highly recommend this paste for crafts as it is very cheap, very easy, and fun!!

So I made the paste:

Then poured it in a JAR:

VERY PRETTY, at least!

Next I spent three and a half hours of my life pasting pictures from a very cute children’s book onto my cat, Snickerdoodle’s, play box! I forgot to take a "before" picture, so just imagine a plain box.

Cute right??

I will blog my next project, just as soon as I figure out what it is! HAHA. Thanks!

-Chandra

Antique Gaming: SNES: Super Mario RPG Part 2

Super Mario RPG: Super Walkthrough: PART 2

In Mushroom Way, you will be facing Goombas and Sky Troopas. The Goombas can generally be defeated with one regular move, but the Flying Troopas will require at least two hits. I highly recommend that you fight as many monsters as possible, at this point in the game, because you will soon be facing a foe that will absolutely destroy you if you don’t level up a bit. Make sure you keep an eye on your HP, as well, and use the mushrooms Toad gave you if you get low; they will restore 30 HP.

After I defeated a few Goombas and Troopas, I saw that Toad had been trapped by a Goomba. I defeated the Goomba, thus saving Toad; Mario was rewarded with a Honey Syrup, which will recover 10 Flower Points when used. Unfortunately, the Goombas were kicking my butt today; I guess my timing is off. One Goomba hit me with 2 damage, then the next hit me and did 3 damage! :-(

When you level up, you have the option of selecting a bonus. You can choose between POWER, which raises regular attack and defense, HP, which will raise health points, or MAGIC, which will raise your magic attack and defense. I generally always choose POWER. I don’t like having to struggle against foes. I prefer to beat them in one hit, when possible.

I recommend getting Mario to, at least, level 3 before facing the up-coming mini-boss, who will show up at the end of the passage, between Mushroom Way and Mushroom Kingdom.

On quite a few of the Goombas I fought, I would defeat one and it would give me “HP MAX”. After making it to level 2, you should be able to take care of Sky Troopas with one hit.

In the next stage, Toad has been captured by a Sky Troopa. I defeated it, once again rescuing Toad, and he rewarded me with a Flower Tab, which raises your maximum Flower Points (FP). In the next area, there is a Lakitu throwing Spikeys (they’re red and pokey). Fight all of them so you can level up again.

I made it to level 4 before facing the mini-boss. I went through all 3 sections of Mushroom Way twice, fighting every enemy.

When I first ran into a Hammer Bro, he had Toad by the scruff. He yelled at Mario, asking who he was looking at. Then, he tells Mario that he and his hammer don’t like him. Toad tells Mario he better be careful because the Hammer Bro has a “mean streak.” After this initial conversation, you have the choice to walk away… if you’re a wuss or if you need to level up more (like I previously stated, I am level 4 at this point, and I would highly recommend you at least be level 3). I decide to jump toward the Hammer Bro to start the battle. He yells that Mario has made him and his hammer angry and that he shouldn’t have done that. Then, the battle begins!

In this mini-boss battle, Mario is facing off against 2 Hammer Bros. The Hammer Bros’ main attack is simply a conk on the head, which, if you defend Mario properly, will only produce 1 damage. I decide to use Mario’s JUMP attack, in order to defeat them quicker. If you were patient enough to make it to level 4, you can defeat the first Hammer Bro with ONE jump attack! The second Hammer Bro took me 3 jump attacks. If it takes you longer to defeat them, they may use a move called “Hammer Time,” in which they throw a bunch of hammers at Mario’s head. From what I remember, the damage is pretty substantial. When you defeat the Hammer Bros, you will receive 6 XP, 20 coins, and a Flower Jar, which will raise your FP by 3.

Toad thanks Mario for saving him… AGAIN, then announces that Mushroom Kingdom is just ahead. Toad then sees a very obvious hammer lying on the ground. It turns out to be one of the Hammer Bro’s hammers. Mario decides to keep it; I have found Mario’s FIRST weapon! Now, I will go to the Menu, then to Equip, and give Mario the hammer. Anytime you come across a new weapon, you should equip it IMMEDIATELY, because it will raise your attack power.

When I leave, it takes me to the World Map. I now have the option to travel to Mushroom Kingdom! Mushroom Kingdom is a small town with quite a few little houses. When I approach the castle, I see two mushroom men guarding the entrance. In the entrance hall, Toad is waiting to show me to the Chancellor. I’ve never been able to do it, but if you jump on Toad’s head, then to the top of the first doorway, there will be a secret treasure box there containing a frog coin.

The Chancellor carries on FOREVER about hearing an explosion at Bowser’s Keep and how he almost dropped his spores and then he asks Mario where Princess Toadstool is. Mario immediately acts out everything that has happened thus far. The Chancellor tells Mario that it is up to him to “enter Bowser’s Keep and rescue Princess Toadstool!” Mario acts out that he can’t because the bridge is gone. Then, the Chancellor is horrified that the Keep is “unassailable.” He tells Mario that her life is in his hands and asks him to please save their Princess. When I start to leave the room, the Chancellor yells at Mario and he falls on his face. The Chancellor gives Mario a map and Mario proceeds to leave the room when the Chancellor yells again and Mario falls down the steps. The Chancellor tells Mario to go to the cellar to prepare for his journey. Then, Mario can FINALLY leave the room!

In the Vault (cellar), the guard will tell you what each of the 3 treasure boxes contain. The first box contains a large coin (the small coins are worth 1, while the large coins are worth 10), the second box contains a flower (the more you gather, the more FP you will have in battle), and the third box contains a mushroom. Mushroom treasure boxes will restore your HP and FP.

I leave the vault and decide to visit Princess Toadstool’s bedroom, where her Grandmother is pacing back and forth. If you stick Mario’s nose into the right side of the fireplace, you will find Toadstool’s ???. Her Grandma catches Mario snooping and yells at him, then trades him for a mushroom. I decide to leave the castle, at that point, and explore Mushroom Kingdom a bit.

As I walk away from the castle, a scene unfolds in front of Mario of a small, yellow fluff person with purple hair chasing a purple reptile. However, the reptile is too fast and the fluff person quickly loses him. The fluff person then whines that the reptile stole his Grandpa’s coin and starts to cry, then it starts to rain.

I take Mario to talk to the fluff person and get him to stop crying. He says his name is Mallow and there’s nothing like a good cry. Then, he can’t remember what he was crying about. Mario falls on his face, then Mallow remembers. His Grandpa sent him to buy some things, but before he could, the croc stopped him and stole his coin! A crazy woman, standing near them, asks Mario to show her how he was going to take care of Bowser; Mario jumps, and Mallow is amazed to see that he is talking to THE Super Mario! He says he is a frog from Tadpole Pond, but that he can’t jump at all. Mallow asks Mario if he will help him catch the thief. If you reply by saying that you’re “a little busy,” Mallow will start to cry again, so I usually just go with, “SURE THING!”

“The young frog, Mallow, who doesn’t look AT ALL like a frog, joins Mario in his quest.”

FORESHADOWING ALERT! Remember this when you read future posts; it is HIGHLY significant.

Mario now has a companion, who will prove to be a huge help during future battles! Mario defeated the Hammer Bros, saved Toad countless times, found his first weapon, and met his very first companion! The next post will contain Mario’s first BIG BATTLE, and a trip to meet Mallows Grandpa at Tadpole Pond!

Subscribe J Like on Facebook (Chandra Goodpaster), follow of Twitter (cdgoodpaster). Thanks!

Review: The Time Keeper BY Mitch Albom

5:06p.m.

I started reading The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom on June 12, 2013. And I finished it... later that evening. Needless to say, it is a short novel, and can be read very quickly. Regardless, the depth of this book makes it an automatic MUST READ. 

The subject of the book is one I have never thought about in my life. There has not been one day that I wondered what it was like when there was no time. Or what my life could/would be like if I didn't constantly worry about being "on time." I was hooked from page one.

"A man sits alone in a cave. His hair is long. His beard reaches his knees. He holds his chin in the cup of his hands. He closes his eyes. He is listening to something. Voices. Endless voices. They rise from a pool in the corner of the cave. They are the voices of people on Earth. They want only one thing. TIME."

I wake up in the morning, look at the clock. Have breakfast, look at the clock. I have to be somewhere by some time so I hurry to make it. How many times during the day do you think about time? It is amazing, to me, how our lives revolve around it.

The Time Keeper makes a particularly strong point when it mentions that animals nor insects worry about time. It is only humans who are concerned with it. 

Humans, along with animals and insects, are restricted by it. But it is only humans who constantly worry that we will not have enough time. It is impossible for us to accept the time we have, and use it wisely. 

I just glanced at the clock. It is 5:15p.m. 

Father Time. The Time Keeper is about Father Time's journey. From the moment when he started to measure time, to his being punished by God and condemned to spend thousands of years in a cave, alone, never aging, having to listen to the woes of people on Earth as they continue to want for more time. Father Time is finally released from his prison, but only to return to Earth to find two people. One person has too little time. And the other has too much. It is his mission to enlighten these people with what he has learned; to teach them to respect that we have no control over what time we have.

5:20p.m.

We cannot cryogenic-ally freeze ourselves and hope to awaken one day to a new life. We cannot take a long walk off a short bridge because we cannot handle the hand we have been dealt. It is not up to us how long we are here. 

Appreciate the time you have. Spend every second doing something that makes you happy. Because its not up to you. You will never know how long you have.

This book will open your eyes.

Review: The Wednesday Letters

New York Times bestselling author, Jason E. Wright, has written an absolute MUST-READ! The Wednesday Letters will inspire you. Upon opening this book, I quickly became submerged in a world of love and forgiveness. It's a page-turner; the first time I read it, I couldn't put it down, and I have re-read it countless times since.

Jack Cooper vows on his wedding night to write his newlywed, Laurel, every week. He vows to her that, no matter what, he will always stand by her. This tradition ends when Jack and Laurel Cooper die on the same night, 40 years in the future.

The Cooper children return home and we follow them as they grieve the death of their parents. They stumble upon thousands of letters, written from Jack to Laurel, and begin reading them aloud to each other. Little do they know that some of these letters carry a family secret so big, it could change their lives forever.

The Wednesday Letters is one of my favorite novels. The story is rich with detail and emotion. The characters are dynamic and memorable. It is filled with humor and suspense that will keep the reader on the edge. This is a story of forgiveness, redemption, and the ties that bond family. 

Don't you wish you were the type of person who could write a letter to your significant other once a week? Just to have a tradition like that would be incredible. Imagine your children finding the letters when they grow up, or maybe when you're gone. Your children would have an opportunity to see your life, know what struggles you overcame, and understand what made you, YOU.

I recommend that everyone read The Wednesday Letters by Jason E. Wright. It's the sort of novel that can be read over and over and never get old. The story is something so original and touching, you won't soon forget it.

Purchase from Barnes & Noble HERE

Isabella: Future Singing Sensation?

As you may know, my daughter recently turned 5-years-old. She is the most amazing person I know. It’s so fantastic the way a child will change you. What’s better, is how a child can entertain you.

Isabella loves to sing. When she is not talking, laughing, eating, or sleeping, she is singing. She sings in the car, she sings while she plays with her toys, she sings while she plays video games, she sings all the time, I think you get the point. The greatest thing about this is that she is into the same music I am. Bella doesn’t just rock out to Disney tunes or something she heard on Spongebob Squarepants; her internal playlist is constantly updated with the latest hits and even some obscure music from the past. The other day, for example, I heard her singing something that sounded very familiar. I asked what it was and she replied, simply, “Radioactive.” I started laughing, because I don’t even know all of the words to that song, but she apparently had it stuck in her head.

*Listen to Radioactive by Imagine Dragons HERE

Bella is a wonder to travel with. We usually have no problems when it comes to music in the car. Most of the songs I play, she will sing along with and dance to. But on our way back home from Berea, the other day, we had been playing songs that she liked the entire way, and when we got close to home, I turned on a song I hadn’t listened to in a while: “Learn to Fly – Foo Fighters”. She was NOT happy. I knew she had heard the song before, and it’s obviously a good one, therefore I thought she should like it, but she covered her ears and said, “I just don’t want to listen to a BOY song!” My fiancé and I both found this very funny, considering that most of the songs we had listened to were, in fact, boy songs; all of which she had enjoyed thoroughly. We came to the conclusion that, in her aggravation, she used the first excuse that popped into her head to get us to turn the song off. We didn’t. I started singing and dancing to it, and she soon followed.

*Listen to Learn to Fly by Foo Fighters HERE

When Bella was a baby, I loved to listen to ABBA. Dancing Queen and Money Money Money are a couple of my favorites from ABBA. Bella still loves all ABBA songs, to this day. Anyways, when she was a baby, she would stand in her crib by holding on to the rails. I would play songs by ABBA and she would dance. It was the most wonderful thing, watching her dance by bending her little, chubby legs and bobbing her head, all while holding on, because she couldn’t walk yet and would surely fall.

Bella’s favorite singer is currently Taylor Swift. Any time we get in the car, I immediately ask what she would like to listen to. Her reply is, generally, always the same, “Taylor Swift.” Any song I turn on by Taylor Swift, she knows every word to. She is starting to catch on to the pitch at which Taylor is singing to. Bella now knows when to make her voice higher and when to make it lower in a song. It’s so fun listening to her. When she is singing, I wish I could just turn the music all the way down and listen to her sing, but obviously I can’t do that because she would #1 stop singing and #2 be mad that I turned the music off. 

Antique Gaming - SNES - Super Mario RPG Intro.

ANTIQUE GAMING

Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

Allow me to introduce you to my favorite video game OF ALL TIME, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. I have decided to compose an in-depth series of blog posts about my Super Mario RPG experience. I started a new game at 1:32 p.m. TODAY, July 17, 2013, in order to provide you, my readers, with my opinions and my personal tips and tricks on beating this game, while having some serious fun! The fact that this game is 17-years-old means absolutely nothing; the amazing amount of depth and detail was far beyond its time. Super Mario RPG was released for SNES in North America on May 13, 1996. Let’s hear it for the developers: SQUARE and the publishers: NINTENDO!

The opening scene shows Princess Toadstool sitting on a hill in front of Mario’s house, dancing with butterflies. All of a sudden, it gets dark and Bowser shows up, in all his glory, riding in his flying machine, and kidnaps Princess Toadstool. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Bowser has a serious kidnapping-Princess-Toadstool problem! Toadstool screams, “HELP!” and Mario comes barreling out of his house and jumps to Bowser’s Keep, where Bowser and Toadstool have just arrived.

Upon entering Bowser’s Keep, the player is introduced to their first game play moment. The player will be controlling Mario as he ventures through the Keep. I will describe the scene from Mario’s perspective. I find myself standing in the entrance to Bowser’s Keep. The details are incredible as compared to other games created for the SNES. I see many, creepy statues of what look like tiny Bowsers with blacked-out eyes lining the walkway to a large, red door.

The only aggravating thing about this game is controlling Mario. It’s kind of difficult to get him to walk in the direction you want. After playing current video game systems and getting used to the infinite range of motion they offer, control is something you definitely have to get used to when playing this game.

First thing, I head through the door to find a room full of Terrapins (armored turtles). The Terrapins will chase Mario when you get near them. If you run into them, a battle will begin. I find myself standing in a small battle area with Mario on the nearest side and the enemy on the other. Battling enemies consists of taking turns attacking each other until someone is defeated (runs out of Hit Points). Mario is equipped with default beginner moves right now. The A button is currently “unarmed” and the Y button offers a special move called “jump.” The unarmed A attack allows Mario to punch his enemy. I have the option of using the “JUMP” attack, also, which is sometimes more effective, but in this section of the game, no Experience Points or Coinage is offered, therefore I see no point in wasting my Flower Points (which are required to perform Y actions).

As Mario excels in the game, he will be able to purchase, and occasionally, find new weapons. As Mario levels up, he will learn new Y techniques. The only fallback on Y techniques is that the higher the technique level, the more flower points are required to use it.

I perform a punch attack on my current opponent, the Terrapin. 24-Hit-Damage and Terrapin is defeated. Ha! Take that! Since, at this point in the game, you are not getting any experience toward levelling up, I suggest you try to slip past as many enemies as possible instead of stopping to fight them all. Unless, of course, you have no experience playing the game whatsoever, then it would probably help you get a handle on the way things work in battle.

I jump through the room, avoiding all other foes, but I am stopped at the next door by two Terrapins guarding the door. I enter into battle to find there are four Terrapins to be defeated! Super Mario RPG utilizes Timed Hits. There is a point, while the enemy is attacking, that if you press B, your character will go into defense mode and less damage will be taken.

This battle against four Terrapins only cost Mario 4 HP off his initial 20 and each Terrapin was defeated after one hit. Mario is now down to 16 HP, will he make it through Bowser’s Keep ALIVE?? I travel through the next door to find a room filled with LAVA. There is a bridge going across with fireballs jumping into the air. This is a refreshing flashback to the original Super Mario Bros. After crossing a second bridge, I am stopped, and it crashes into the lava! There’s no turning back now, be strong Mario!

Through yet another door, I find myself in a stone chamber with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. As Mario walks forward, we get a glimpse of Princess Toadstool’s feet kicking up near a chandelier. Mario looks around, then up, and jumps to a chandelier neighboring the one Bowser is standing on. Princess Toadstool is tied up, hanging in the air next to Bowser.

Princess Toadstool: Don’t let Bowser bruise you, Mario!

Bowser: Mario! Prepare yourself for the great beyond!

Ha ha! I’m not afraid of you Bowser! I have beat you various times in every Mario game up to this point. In my experience, there is NO WAY of defeating Bowser by attacking him personally. In this crucial battle, Mario has the option to attack the Kinklink, which consists of a Chomp holding up the chandelier. At the beginning of the battle, Mario is back up to his original 20 HP.

Two JUMP attacks on the Kinklink and lightning flashes. The chandelier begins to fall.

As Bowser is going down he yells, “Coming Mario?” Then a hammer comes flying from somewhere off-screen and strikes the Kinklink holding up Mario’s chandelier. Mario starts to climb down, but Princess Toadstool tells Mario to “FIGHT!” Bowser throws another hammer, it hits the Kinklink and Mario begins to fall. When Bowser comes into view, as both he and Mario are falling, he is crying. He immediately stops when he sees Mario. Bowser gloats because he thinks he has defeated Mario, and jumps toward him, as if to attack, and Mario jumps also, bounces off Bowsers head and up out of sight. Bowser exclaims, “Fungah! Foiled again!” Then continues to cry as the chandelier continues to fall.

The camera follows Mario up as he grabs the chain that was previously holding the chandelier. Princess Toadstool tells Mario she was so worried and suggests they get out of there. The Keep begins to shake violently. Princess Toadstool yells, “I’m going to fall!” She and Mario fall out of sight.

There is a giant sword surrounded by seven orbiting stars falling from the clouds. The sword falls into Bowser’s Keep and sits stationary in the middle. 

The stars fly off in different directions, with one falling into Bowser’s Keep. Mario is seen flying across the sky and falls into his house through the green, pipe chimney.

Toad, a small mushroom-man, is standing outside and sees Mario when he comes flying. Toad goes running into the house to find Mario hanging from a coat hook on the wall. He laughs at Mario, telling him that most people use doors to get into their houses. Toad also says that he is there to pick up Princess Toadstool since she is running late. Toad leave the house, then game play continues.

Mario’s house is simple and cute, similar to the way most houses in Super Mario RPG are depicted. It is only one room; consisting of a green, plaid bed, a couple of windows, a crate, a table, and a dresser with a lamp on it. If you find yourself low on HP, you can come back to the “PipeHouse,” as Mario’s home is called, turn the lamp off, and catch some Zzzzzz’s, restoring yours and your party members HP.

I jump off the hook and go outside, where Toad is pacing back and forth. I walk up to Toad and press A to start a conversation. Toad says he thought the Princess was with Mario. Mario says nothing. Mario does not talk during this game; he uses hand gestures and storytelling by turning himself into other characters. Anyone Mario is communicating with surprisingly understands him. Toad asks why Mario is giving him the silent treatment. Then finally figures out that Bowser must have something to do with it. Toad then asks Mario to bring Princess Toadstool back, like he always does.

I take Mario to the tab leading to the World Map, but Toad stops me, saying that Mario needs to remember to save. Toad informs Mario that he must jump on the glowing SAVE box. The creators of the game make it very easy to know where to go to save. The SAVE boxes are big and flashy; there is a rotating star on the top of the box with flashing “S”’s on the sides. You simply hop up, choose a save slot and press A to save at any SAVE box in the game. After saving, Toad will allow you to leave.

The World Map shows all the places you can go with Mario. There will be flashing dots connected you to the places you can travel. The only place I can currently go is to Bowser’s Keep. Mario walks up to the door, looks up, and sees the giant sword sitting in the middle of the Keep. The sword informs Mario that the Keep now belongs to the “Smithy Gang,” then shakes so violently that the bridge falls away, with Mario bouncing backwards off it.

Now, I can no longer access Bowser’s Keep. I can only get as far as Vista Hill, an overlook where people stand to see the creepy phenomenon in the distance. I go back to Mario’s Pad to tell Toad the bad news. Upon arrival, Toad is nowhere to be seen, so I enter the PipeHouse. I find Toad waiting for me there.

Toad assumed Mario had forgotten something after seeing him back so quickly. Mario then depicts the scene of what had happened at the Keep from the top of his table. Toad exclaims that it is just wonderful that the bridge to the Keep was out just when Mario was trying to rescue the Princess. He goes on to say that they must now travel to Mushroom Kingdom to inform the Chancellor of what had happened. Toad then leave the PipeHouse, so I follow.

As I exit to the World Map, Toad comes rushing back, knocking Mario off his feet. Toad explains to Mario that the fall had reduced his HP. He tells Mario that one of Mushroom Kingdom’s famous items ought to perk him right up and gives Mario a “Mushroom.” Toad then asks if you know how to use items. If you don’t, select “I have no idea,” and Toad will go on to explain that if you open your MENU using the X button, there will be an option ITEMS. You select ITEMS to see all of the ITEMS you have, then you select one and decide which character you will use it on. I already know how to use items, therefore I select, “Of course I do.”

Toad then goes on to say that he rushed back so quickly to inform Mario that Mushroom Way was overrun with monsters and to ask if Mario would do something about it. A goomba shows up and Toad asks Mario if he knows about Timed Hits. If you do not know, select, “no,” and Toad will tell you all about it. I do, so I select, “yes.” Toad tells the Goomba that Mario knows about Timed Hits and is going to knock its lights out. The Goomba runs away. Toad says, “He’s got more bark than bite, huh?” to Mario. Toad reminds Mario that they need to tell the Chancellor about Toadstool. Toad gives Mario 3 more mushrooms and leaves, saying he will see Mario at Mushroom Kingdom.

It is NOW time to begin the official journey! SAVE again and we’ll be off to Mushroom Way!

My next post will consist of Mario’s journey from this point through the defeating of BOSS #1: MACK. One of the things I love most about Super Mario RPG is the story! Another thing is the characters; the creators of this game had amazing imaginations! In my next post Mario will find his first companion, be faced with attempting to help a friend after a robbery, and battle his first BOSS. Subscribe! Comments are welcomed! “Like” me as a writer on Facebook: Chandra Goodpaster, FOLLOW on Twitter: cdgoodpaster. Thanks! J

PlayStation 4 --VS-- Xbox One

Girlfriend Perspective ;)

I spent this afternoon scouring the PlayStation and Xbox websites, filling my overcrowded brain with considerably useless information. It is obvious to me, and everyone else on the planet, that there is going to be a major showdown between PlayStation 4 and Xbox One sometime in November. Both consoles are rumored to be released sometime during that month. Obviously, they want to get it on the market before the Christmas holiday, and PlayStation will definitely want to schedule a release near the same time as Xbox so they can cash in on the price difference.

The Xbox One will cost a pricey $499, while the PlayStation 4 will only cost $399. Everyone has to understand that the Xbox One price also includes the Kinect Sensor, which SURPRISE, is required in order for the system to work. The PlayStation 4 offers a Kinect equivalent, but it may seem too strenuous to some people having to purchase it separately (if you decide to purchase it at all). Personally, I find the entire ‘camera watching you while you play’ scenario pretty creepy. Even creepier than that is the stalking capabilities Xbox One will support. With a simple oral request to your fancy, new Kinect, you will be able to find out exactly what TV shows your friends are watching. According to xbox.com, “you’ll be part of the most exciting social entertainment network in the world.” ALSO, people will be calling you up from Indonesia, like, “what’s up? I watch Gilmore Girls religiously also!”

If you didn’t like the matchmaking for Xbox360, prepare yourself for some excitement! Xbox One’s new “revolutionary multiplayer matchmaking system” will use something referred to as “Smart Match” which uses advanced algorithms (set of rules for solving problems) to pair players based on skill, language, and reputation. This means that you will be playing with people who are most like you. No more of this nonsense about getting your butt kicked by players far better than you are, let alone befriending them. I wonder if they will take accent into consideration. I know I would rather play with people who talk with the same southern twang as me…. (not really).

Enough about the Xbox One for now, let’s discuss the PlayStation 4! I’m not sure about multiplayer matchmaking, but the PlayStation 4 will learn your likes and dislikes, so BE CAREFUL not to change your mind about certain things or it may get confused! Once it “gets to know you,” it will allow you to discover content pre-loaded and ready to go on your console in your favorite game genres or by your favorite creators. I have to say, I think this was a fantastic idea. In my experience, the creators of one GREAT game, will most likely create another GREAT game. Who knows, there could be countless awesome games out there that you have never played because you didn’t know they existed! It’s a Netflix-esque quality that will definitely help rather than annoy. Less can be said about Xbox One’s insanely complicated multitasking operations.

Xbox.com described the new console as a “state-of-the-art gaming console, a new generation TV and movie system and a whole lot more.” In my opinion, WAY too much more! Gamers, the gamers I know, are not interested in purchasing a console solely because it can play video games, TV, Skype, Netflix, Music, and Apps ALL AT ONCE. I, personally, am not interested in it as a personal computer system either. Xbox One will be running three Operating Systems at the same time in order to ensure smooth operating of all these innate functions. I am curious to see someone trying to cope with the confusion this system will most likely provide.

The PlayStation 4 will be offering Remote Play, while Xbox One has nothing similar. This is good and bad. Gaming on a 5-inch screen proves very difficult, but entertaining if you’re bored enough. And since it has to be connected to the same local area network as the PlayStation 4, you will most likely only be able to access gameplay at home. If you’re at home, why not play PlayStation on the big TV, instead of your Vita? It will be a very handy feature if you have children. If you have control of the PlayStation 4 and your kid wants to play on it, tell them to play it on their Vita…. Handy!

Both systems will be offering mobile apps. Xbox Smartglass will turn your mobile phone or tablet into a second screen that can intelligently interact with your console. From your mobile device, you will be able to navigate the Web on your TV. According to xbox.com your wireless device will become the “ideal companion to your Xbox One.” Xbox Smartglass will offer extended experiences of your favorite TV shows, movies, music, games, and sports. Once again, WAY too much, Xbox!  The “PlayStation App” will enable iPhone, iPad, and Android-based smartphones and tablets to become a second screen also. It will differ from Xbox in that the second screen will function as a helper for GAMING. I’m sure Xbox Smartglass will offer gaming help, but with far too much complication. The PlayStation App will allow users to view game items, purchase PS4 games and download them directly to the console at home. It will also offer remote viewing of other gamers’ gameplay on their devices.

Most people will find it intriguing that Xbox One’s all come with a Kinect Sensor, but I don’t. The Kinect Sensor must be connected to the Xbox One console in order for it to function. Also required is a 720p or higher HDMI-compatible TV, a Microsoft account, and an account on Xbox Live in an Xbox One-supported Xbox Live country/region. Fine print at the bottom of xbox.com states, “Features and requirements are under development and may change prior to release. Available features and contents may vary by country. Advanced TV and hardware required for Xbox One. Broadband internet (ISP fees apply) required for Xbox Live. Xbox Live Gold and/or additional requirements apply for some features. Games sold separately.” Also in fine print: “Xbox One system software uses a significant amount of storage; less internal storage will be available to users.” I wonder exactly how much internal storage the Xbox One does use. It would not bode well for consumers to receive their new Xbox One’s to find that they have 30GB’s of space for games, music, TV, Skype, etc., etc., etc.

PlayStation 4 is sticking with Blu-ray, naturally, with Xbox One upgrading to Blu-ray. Yay! Finally, something good about the Xbox One! Let’s hear it for Microsoft! There have been changes to both systems controllers, which I am nervous about. My small hands make it difficult for me to find a controller comfortable. I believe my favorite controller will remain to be the Super Nintendo Entertainment System controller. J Xbox One claims there will be OVER 40 technology innovations. I cannot wrap my head around 40 things to change about a controller… Xbox refers to the controller as the “best controller we’ve ever made.” It has New Impulse Triggers which provide precise fingertip feedback for more realistic experiences, streamlined thumbsticks, D-pad, and contours for improved precision and comfort. PlayStation 4 is sticking with Dualshock. I have always preferred the Xbox Controller over the PlayStation controller, but from what I’ve seen PlayStation has melded with Xbox to create a controller I will surely LOVE! …I hope. The Dualshock 4 will have familiar controls, incorporating new ways to interact with games and players. It will provide improved analog sticks and trigger buttons, which will account for a greater sense of control. It will also feature a capacitive touch pad, which will offer endless potential for new gameplay possibilities.

Each console’s inner workings are, in my eyes, identical, except for the Xbox One’s running of three operating systems. I see no problems there… Unless the Xbox One’s system software takes up an ungodly amount of space, in which case, consumers will be pissed!

Included in the BOX for the Xbox One Day One Edition is: console, Kinect, commemorative controller (while supplies last), exclusive achievement (while supplies last), and HDMI cable. All for the low, low (just kidding) price of $499. Included in the PlayStation 4 BOX is: console, controller, Wired Mono Headset, power cable, HDMI cable and USB charging cable, all for the considerably and surprisingly low price of $399. Break out your checkbook, people!

GAMES I’M EXCITED ABOUT for XBOX ONE: Forza Motorsport 5, RYSE Son of Rome, Dead Rising 3, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Battlefield 4.

GAMES I’M EXCITED ABOUT for PLAYSTATION 4: The Order: 1886, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, Battlefield 4, Destiny.

It’s up to you which console you decide to go with. I have already made my decision, and I hope my day of researching has helped you make yours. Good luck with your gaming, my friends.

THROWBACK! Senior Portfolio: Letter to the Reviewer, 2007, Distinguished

“If you did not write every day, the poisons would accumulate and you would begin to die, or act crazy, or both – you must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.” –Ray Bradbury

Dear Reviewer,

            Come with me. Let’s undertake a journey through space and time. We’ll travel through the stages of my life to discover the influences reading has imprinted upon my writing abilities. We will explore my experiences from the first time my mother read me a bedtime story to this portfolio, in order to obtain proof that the development of my reading skills has provided me with a true and everlasting necessity to express myself through writing.

            The Good Ole’ Days: The first literary works I was ever exposed to were those of Beatrix Potter. The Tale of Tom Kitten quickly became my favorite book. From repeated bedtime readings emerged an introduction to language, which would later lead to a better understanding of English literacy. “Once upon a time there were three little kittens, and their names were Mittens, Tom Kitten, and Moppet.” These words were my first wobbly steps into that cloud-covered, sparkling dream to write distinguished literature.

“Author: (definition) A fool, who, not content with having bored those who have lived with him, insists on tormenting the generations to come.” –Montesquieu

            Boredom Reigns, Imagination Soars: In elementary school, I exposed myself to simple books such as Goosebumps and The Babysitters Club. Although these books are not as highly regarded anymore, they were essential stepping stones for my enhanced understanding of the English language. In third grade, I was urged to write in a journal for the first time. Every day, I would re-create numerous parts of my life due to the fact that I never did anything exciting. Mrs. Kidd, my teacher, would encourage the class to express our standpoints about certain subject matters; this led to the discovery of how exceedingly opinionated I was and still am.

            Portfolio, Part One: Fifth and 6^th grades soared away and now it was time for the most dreaded and difficult task of all: 7^th grade. As you are aware, I was required to complete a portfolio. Not too bad, you may think, it’s only 7^th grade. Oh, no. I was just as stressed then as I am now. But, my teacher, Mrs. Oldfield, made it all worthwhile. A new adventure always awaited me with her: a new novel, a new poem, a new idea. Her brain functioned in ways mine never could and she pushed me, practically shoved me, into completing the task at hand… with flare! She praised my poetry and instructed me to always follow my passion. To my slight demise, but overall pleasure, I received a proficient on my portfolio (I had longed for a distinguished).

“There’s many a bestseller that could have been prevented by a good teacher.” –Flannery O’Connor

Things Get Rough: Dark poetry and sad songs rang from my fingertips as I was emerged into my internal great depression. Crying in my bedroom floor I discovered the… oh, why was I crying? Well, everything between freshman and junior year was difficult for me. My family was going through something you will one day read about in my autobiography. But I cried. And I was alone… alone with my thoughts and my rage. The only thing that helped me cope was my books, which brings me back to my story… how I love going in circles. I discovered the magical worlds of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and J.R.R. Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings. I soared on the wings of a hippogriff and fought to keep the “precious” ring from being discovered by the evil Sauron. When my adventure was over, so were the problems. When my adventure was over, I no longer hurt; I wrote again. I desired to create a magical world, one that would shine with creativity. J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkein rescued me from my sinister, haunting poetry and released me into the bright and beautiful countryside of fiction.

            Time for a Change: During my junior year in high school, I took A.P. English III. There, I was required to read all of the American classics; Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, George Orwell’s 1984, J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, and Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie. My head was spinning. I had never read books before with so much depth and meaning. I began to wonder things like: What do I think about life? How do I see the world? These books had the biggest influence on me because they truly were fantastic. 1984 soon developed into my favorite book; George Orwell’s imagination had inspired me to think and worry about the future.

            Portfolio, Part Two: I have combined all I have ever learned from reading and concluded that I crave to be creative like J.K. Rowling, clever like Mark Twain and leave a lasting impression like George Orwell. My portfolio is compiled with artwork from a time when life was… let’s just say interesting. I want to be all the great writers of all time. And I will be.

“It is necessary to write, if the days are not to slip emptily by. How else, indeed, to clap the net over the butterfly of the moment? For the moment passes, it is forgotten; the mood is gone; life itself is gone. That is where the writer soars over his fellows; he catches the changes of his mind on the hop. Growth is exciting; growth is dynamic and alarming. Growth of the soul, growth of the mind.” –Vita Sackville-West

                                                                                           Sincerely,

                                                                                           A Rising Star

Let's DISCUSS: Edward Snowden

Edward Snowden – Isolated, American Privacy

Edward Snowden is quickly becoming a household name. Snowden is a 30-year-old man, a former technical contractor for the United States National Security Agency and a former employee of the Central Intelligence Agency. In spring 2013, Snowden leaked details of several top-secret U.S. and British government mass surveillance programs primarily to Glenn Greenwald of London’s The Guardian. A series of exposes, published by The Guardian in June-July 2013, revealed programs such as government interception of U.S. and European telephone metadata and internet surveillance programs. These leaks are said to rank among the most significant breaches in U.S. history.

Was anyone surprised? Snowden was simply validating everything United States society should have already known about its government. The controversy is only controversial because the American people choose to pretend that they were ignorant and had no idea that an invasion of privacy by the American government was possible. As the old saying goes, ignorance is bliss. I quite agree. Deep-down, the American people, probably the British, as well, knew there was a possibility that the government was watching. But, as long as the “whistleblower” wasn’t going on the record with top-secret, inside information, it wasn’t really happening.

On June 14, 2013, U.S. federal prosecutors charged Snowden with espionage and theft of government property. Some call him a hero, others refer to him as a traitor. Can a man really be classified as a traitor when he was trying to protect the rights of his fellow Americans? Snowden explained the leaks by saying, “I don’t want to live in a society that does these sorts of things… I do not want to live in a world where everything I do and say is recorded.” Members of U.S. Congress widely viewed Snowden as a traitor, and several senators and representatives joined them in calling for Snowden’s prosecution.

Former CIA and NSA chief General Michael Hayden said, “I am convinced the more the American people know exactly what it is we are doing in this balance between privacy and security, the more they know the more comfortable they will feel.”

Former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter, said, “He’s obviously violated the laws of America, for which he’s responsible, but I think the invasion of human rights and American privacy has gone too far… I think that the secrecy that has been surrounding this invasion of privacy has been excessive, so I think that the bringing of it to public notice has probably been, in the long term, beneficial.”

Snowden will, most likely, be caught. He will be prosecuted for allegedly “spying” on the American government. What we have to remember, is that although he may have been a traitor to the U.S. government, who obviously didn’t want the American people enlightened to the possibility of phone and internet surveillance, he was a hero to the American people.

Fellow whistleblower, William Binney, said Snowden had, “performed a really great public service, to begin with, by exposing these programs and making the government, in a sense, publicly accountable for what they’re doing.”

The United States needs to be held publicly accountable for what they are doing. Snowden was allegedly spying on U.S. government. If his allegations are true, the U.S. government is spying on its people. Espionage!

Sources: The Associated Press, The Guardian guardian.co.uk, CNN.com