You'd think after all the surgeries I've gone through, I'd be calm, cool and collected. Pre-Op jitters - too bad there's not some instant solution to get rid of them.
I'm feeling overall confident and positive that all will go just fine. Plus, it's not all bad. I get at least a week off, watch movies, play games, SLEEP, not to mention the prescribed drugs =oP -- as I make tracks down the recovery road.
As before, if I can, I'll post up on Twitter (jag731) that all is well when I get back. Sad part, no 1vs100 to play... but still something to look forward to and all the reason to get back in stride before it begins.
The clock is ticking, so this blog entry will be short.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
1vs100 - Personal Trivia
Here's a personal trivia post based on my 1vs100 game play. Some of them posted publically; the rest now known.
1) First played the game about 2 weeks after USA BETA was released. - [Played the Friday night LIVE game & was lost - but hooked after that.]
2) Did well overall on sports questions. - [Yet, I'm not a sports fan.]
3) Lifetime accuracy: 66% - [Took a dive after playing a couple of SuperHard episodes.]
4) Lifetime Streak: 22 questions. - [Could of been 23 or more, but I screwed up the "Ripley" question.]
5) Lifetime Score: Over 8 Million. - [Can I convert that to dollars?]
6) Favorite EP editions: In The News, Sci-Fi, General Trivia. - [Yet, got my 2nd highest score playing a SuperHard session. Go figure.]
7) Met @Callmepotato83 & @sourapplesmiles via twitter, yet inadvertently hooked them on the game. - [@Sourapplesmiles clearly the smartest of our group.]
8) "Team Spiffy" was born as our group would tend to "dress up" for LIVE game play. - [My avatar: Suit / tie, Sunglasses & Tennis Shoes - Nice combo, huh?]
9) Usually played w/o a mic, unless I was with my party. - [Surprised they didn't mute me.]
10) Probably the only individual that noticed (& enjoyed) the lobby/in-game music. - [Including Chris Cashman's "Age of Booty".]
11) Unofficially "jinxed" the LIVE game on Friday 8/14/09. - [I plead the 5th.]
12) @Callmepotato83 and I had the pleasure of playing with one of the game devs. - [Quite possibly my lowest game score ever that night - embarrassing.]
13) Did 2 hours of non-stop AMPing during the show's season finale. - [My "Y" thumb hasn't recovered.]
14) Answered "Centipede" for a question asking another name for "Centigrade." - [Canadian Flag colors and countless others questions fall into this category.]
15) Didn't make it in The Mob or as The One. - [Nothing I did. I blame the BETA code. =oP]
These last friday/saturday evenings of late have been a bit rough. It's like tasting and savoring a piece of dessert, but just as you reach for more - it's gone.
1) First played the game about 2 weeks after USA BETA was released. - [Played the Friday night LIVE game & was lost - but hooked after that.]
2) Did well overall on sports questions. - [Yet, I'm not a sports fan.]
3) Lifetime accuracy: 66% - [Took a dive after playing a couple of SuperHard episodes.]
4) Lifetime Streak: 22 questions. - [Could of been 23 or more, but I screwed up the "Ripley" question.]
5) Lifetime Score: Over 8 Million. - [Can I convert that to dollars?]
6) Favorite EP editions: In The News, Sci-Fi, General Trivia. - [Yet, got my 2nd highest score playing a SuperHard session. Go figure.]
7) Met @Callmepotato83 & @sourapplesmiles via twitter, yet inadvertently hooked them on the game. - [@Sourapplesmiles clearly the smartest of our group.]
8) "Team Spiffy" was born as our group would tend to "dress up" for LIVE game play. - [My avatar: Suit / tie, Sunglasses & Tennis Shoes - Nice combo, huh?]
9) Usually played w/o a mic, unless I was with my party. - [Surprised they didn't mute me.]
10) Probably the only individual that noticed (& enjoyed) the lobby/in-game music. - [Including Chris Cashman's "Age of Booty".]
11) Unofficially "jinxed" the LIVE game on Friday 8/14/09. - [I plead the 5th.]
12) @Callmepotato83 and I had the pleasure of playing with one of the game devs. - [Quite possibly my lowest game score ever that night - embarrassing.]
13) Did 2 hours of non-stop AMPing during the show's season finale. - [My "Y" thumb hasn't recovered.]
14) Answered "Centipede" for a question asking another name for "Centigrade." - [Canadian Flag colors and countless others questions fall into this category.]
15) Didn't make it in The Mob or as The One. - [Nothing I did. I blame the BETA code. =oP]
These last friday/saturday evenings of late have been a bit rough. It's like tasting and savoring a piece of dessert, but just as you reach for more - it's gone.
Surgery 2.0 - Expanded
Alas, the long awaited day arrived. Preps for doctor visit and subsequent registration were somehow able to fit in one morning.
Some good news - according to doc, I've healed from the surgery performed about a month ago. This opened the door for the next one.
After getting the go-ahead from the doc, I made my way to the hospital to pre-register. Having gone through this process prior, I thought I knew what to expect: The obligatory blood work (which I detest), and yet some things new. An EKG, and a nurse consultation making absolutely sure where I stand on allergies, medication, prior medical problems, etc.
A sidebar: The twitpic I posted showing the needle was actually kind of interesting for the nurse. I explained I was on twitter and wanted to show some of what was going on to my followers (Ala, pics or it didn't happen). She heeded my request of "posing" without actually sticking me so I could take the snap-shot. Whereby afterwards, I told her to keep that way while I turned aside and that then she could proceed. By the way, the picture looked more menacing than the experience.
The EKG took longer to hook me up than the actual exam. In the end, both the nurse and I concluded I was alive. =o)
Next, was the nurse consultation which tested my patience a bit as it took a while for that to happen. As I waited in the lobby, it wasn't long before an older woman sitting next to me began a conversation. It was clearly evident she was apprehensive about her particular ordeal and a little jittery. Hell, I was (and still am a bit jittery) - who isn't? - but, in her case, you could see it in her eyes that she was looking for comfort and just someone to calm her and offer reassurance.
She told me that they were going to remove her gallbladder, and even went through the trouble of looking in her purse to show me the papers. Now, I'm no stranger to surgeries. This upcoming one will be my fourth. Years ago, I had my gallbladder removed, so I felt at ease in calming her down and explaining that in my case, all went well and that post-op pain was minimal. You could almost see this virtual weight lift from her, and a brightness fill her face. Moments before, she was sitting idly, dwelling on what I'm sure was a desperate and anxious moment in her life. And now, a complete stranger has given her hope and confirmation that as serious as the procedure may sound, one does recover and and life goes on.
A few moments later, her ride arrived, and she was preparing to leave. As she got up from her chair, she said "thank you", and we wished each other luck.
I'm glad I was able to give someone the help they were looking for. This surgery promises to be a bit more involved with more recovery time required - which is to say, it won't be a 4 day rest and then head to work kind, like my last one.
On Tuesday sometime, as I prepare - my heartbeat will be racing, my blood pressure will be high, and I'll be nervous, shaky and anxious. But, I'll remember this experience with this older lady, and put my words to use in hopes that the taste of my own verbal medicine will serve to calm me as well.
Some good news - according to doc, I've healed from the surgery performed about a month ago. This opened the door for the next one.
After getting the go-ahead from the doc, I made my way to the hospital to pre-register. Having gone through this process prior, I thought I knew what to expect: The obligatory blood work (which I detest), and yet some things new. An EKG, and a nurse consultation making absolutely sure where I stand on allergies, medication, prior medical problems, etc.
A sidebar: The twitpic I posted showing the needle was actually kind of interesting for the nurse. I explained I was on twitter and wanted to show some of what was going on to my followers (Ala, pics or it didn't happen). She heeded my request of "posing" without actually sticking me so I could take the snap-shot. Whereby afterwards, I told her to keep that way while I turned aside and that then she could proceed. By the way, the picture looked more menacing than the experience.
The EKG took longer to hook me up than the actual exam. In the end, both the nurse and I concluded I was alive. =o)
Next, was the nurse consultation which tested my patience a bit as it took a while for that to happen. As I waited in the lobby, it wasn't long before an older woman sitting next to me began a conversation. It was clearly evident she was apprehensive about her particular ordeal and a little jittery. Hell, I was (and still am a bit jittery) - who isn't? - but, in her case, you could see it in her eyes that she was looking for comfort and just someone to calm her and offer reassurance.
She told me that they were going to remove her gallbladder, and even went through the trouble of looking in her purse to show me the papers. Now, I'm no stranger to surgeries. This upcoming one will be my fourth. Years ago, I had my gallbladder removed, so I felt at ease in calming her down and explaining that in my case, all went well and that post-op pain was minimal. You could almost see this virtual weight lift from her, and a brightness fill her face. Moments before, she was sitting idly, dwelling on what I'm sure was a desperate and anxious moment in her life. And now, a complete stranger has given her hope and confirmation that as serious as the procedure may sound, one does recover and and life goes on.
A few moments later, her ride arrived, and she was preparing to leave. As she got up from her chair, she said "thank you", and we wished each other luck.
I'm glad I was able to give someone the help they were looking for. This surgery promises to be a bit more involved with more recovery time required - which is to say, it won't be a 4 day rest and then head to work kind, like my last one.
On Tuesday sometime, as I prepare - my heartbeat will be racing, my blood pressure will be high, and I'll be nervous, shaky and anxious. But, I'll remember this experience with this older lady, and put my words to use in hopes that the taste of my own verbal medicine will serve to calm me as well.
Monday, September 21, 2009
DiRT 2 / Colin McRae Tribute
Before I begin, there may be a game spoiler or two in this entry. If you're playing the game you may wish to forego reading further.
_________________________
Alas, it's been a great run so far playing DiRT2! So much thought to game design, details and the late Colin McRae is clearly evident.
As I continue up the DiRT Tour, the Colin McRae event became available. Upon completing it, I unlocked the "For Colin" achievement - which I thought was a nice touch.
The screen quickly blackened and I could tell the usual game graphics and audio were on stand-still. A picture of Mr. McRae appeared followed by a nice tribute video of him and his racing. Truly a nice tribute showing the man that was synonymous with Rally racing.
I'll admit, before DiRT (the original), I had no idea who this man was. The day the news spread of his death, I was saddened. Years later, after DiRT2 is released, and after receiving said achievement and watching the video, a tear ran down my face. This marks the first time ever that playing a game would cause such an emotional response.
Codemasters did Dirt2 right. Not only in game design and execution, but, by tastefully heralding the man responsible for the franchise.
Much thought went into the game, and to have a gamer experience such emotion during gameplay, I believe the results expected were achieved.
Thanks Codemasters and Thank you, Colin!
_________________________
Alas, it's been a great run so far playing DiRT2! So much thought to game design, details and the late Colin McRae is clearly evident.
As I continue up the DiRT Tour, the Colin McRae event became available. Upon completing it, I unlocked the "For Colin" achievement - which I thought was a nice touch.
The screen quickly blackened and I could tell the usual game graphics and audio were on stand-still. A picture of Mr. McRae appeared followed by a nice tribute video of him and his racing. Truly a nice tribute showing the man that was synonymous with Rally racing.
I'll admit, before DiRT (the original), I had no idea who this man was. The day the news spread of his death, I was saddened. Years later, after DiRT2 is released, and after receiving said achievement and watching the video, a tear ran down my face. This marks the first time ever that playing a game would cause such an emotional response.
Codemasters did Dirt2 right. Not only in game design and execution, but, by tastefully heralding the man responsible for the franchise.
Much thought went into the game, and to have a gamer experience such emotion during gameplay, I believe the results expected were achieved.
Thanks Codemasters and Thank you, Colin!
Friday, September 18, 2009
What's so difficult to understand, Microsoft?
One sends an Xbox console for repair for one issue, it's returned damaged and with even worse issues. One requests a replacement, just to avoid problems for everyone, and they decide to return the same console?
Are MS console support and service center masochists? Are they ensuring themselves a job? At what point do you give to what a company is obligated to do which is to provide customer satisfaction?
I bought the console to play and enjoy, not send off to repair weekly. Here's the thing, I know the console works (at least for a determinant time frame) as I have a backup console that is working flawlessly.
Wake up Microsoft - I can understand wanting to save costs, but is alienating your customers the best way to do it? I paid for the console initially. The repairs obviously aren't making any improvement.
But we'll see. Once this second repair arrives, I'll give it a whirl on a game I know will immediately tell me if the repair was successful or not.
If all is well, then, I offer my thanks in advance.
If not, prepare for hell.
Are MS console support and service center masochists? Are they ensuring themselves a job? At what point do you give to what a company is obligated to do which is to provide customer satisfaction?
I bought the console to play and enjoy, not send off to repair weekly. Here's the thing, I know the console works (at least for a determinant time frame) as I have a backup console that is working flawlessly.
Wake up Microsoft - I can understand wanting to save costs, but is alienating your customers the best way to do it? I paid for the console initially. The repairs obviously aren't making any improvement.
But we'll see. Once this second repair arrives, I'll give it a whirl on a game I know will immediately tell me if the repair was successful or not.
If all is well, then, I offer my thanks in advance.
If not, prepare for hell.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
1vs100 Blogs
Have to love the 1vs100 blogs that provide so much insight on how the game was developed. What we as players take/took for granted, get's spilled out from "behind-the-scenes" and you get a new level of understanding.
During game play, a player doesn't think about the technical issues (aka miracles) that occur. We mostly just focus on the superficial things like turning on the Xbox at the appropriate time, making sure your friends are online, joining parties and cracking jokes.
It's simple to overlook a presentation such as 1vs100 on XBL and thinking it's all magically done; that one swing of a wand is all it took. Blog entries like this recent one by vboy, puts things in perspective.
With each entry, I gain just that more respect and admiration for the 1vs100 Team, and I'm glad to read they ate well. =o)
During game play, a player doesn't think about the technical issues (aka miracles) that occur. We mostly just focus on the superficial things like turning on the Xbox at the appropriate time, making sure your friends are online, joining parties and cracking jokes.
It's simple to overlook a presentation such as 1vs100 on XBL and thinking it's all magically done; that one swing of a wand is all it took. Blog entries like this recent one by vboy, puts things in perspective.
With each entry, I gain just that more respect and admiration for the 1vs100 Team, and I'm glad to read they ate well. =o)
Yay!
The blog gets some life. Aside from changing the original blog name, I figured even though I enjoy Twitter, the post limitations left me with no option but to spill my verbose diatribes into another medium. Alas, "TweetAnnex" is born. - Welcome.
So what occupies my thoughts right now?
1vs100 LIVE (XBL)
It's been a few weeks, and I do miss playing 1vs100 LIVE. The game was great, yes, but I miss the interaction I had with my party of friends. The 2 hours were fun to play solo, but, with friends - there's just no comparison. I miss those good times. The hours just flew.
One of my best moments was playing and chatting with one of the 1vs100 devs. Poor soul, I kept rambling on how great the game was, how the team did a great job, and so forth, and he probably felt extremely uncomfortable - we never played a session again! LOL.... Ah, but such is how it is.
This game really exposed how community and fans and developers can intermingle and I'm hoping this concept takes off. We're not just clients and cash cows. We're people that enjoy your game offerings.
By the same token, this game showed me that devs aren't usually people locked up in offices programming all day being non-social. Lots of things learned and misconceptions tossed aside.
1vs100 returns this winter. Time to brush up on trivia, and new jokes!
DiRT 2
What can I say? Codemasters hit it right on the nose. Enjoying this game immensely and it's simply surreal how realistic, fluid and engaging game play can be. For the first time in a while, I'm really taking my time absorbing all the game has to offer. No rushing needed or required. DiRT2 is a gem and deserves quality time spent to experience it all.
Frankly, I was surprised with this game, and I'm glad it's part of my gaming library.
So, what now?
Well, as the blog title says.. this blog serves as an extension of tweets. Frequent postings aren't guaranteed, but should a particular tweet tangent need embellishment - check here!
Thanks for reading, and hope you visit often.
Oh ya, to those that celebrate it. Happy 16 de Septiembre.
The blog gets some life. Aside from changing the original blog name, I figured even though I enjoy Twitter, the post limitations left me with no option but to spill my verbose diatribes into another medium. Alas, "TweetAnnex" is born. - Welcome.
So what occupies my thoughts right now?
1vs100 LIVE (XBL)
It's been a few weeks, and I do miss playing 1vs100 LIVE. The game was great, yes, but I miss the interaction I had with my party of friends. The 2 hours were fun to play solo, but, with friends - there's just no comparison. I miss those good times. The hours just flew.
One of my best moments was playing and chatting with one of the 1vs100 devs. Poor soul, I kept rambling on how great the game was, how the team did a great job, and so forth, and he probably felt extremely uncomfortable - we never played a session again! LOL.... Ah, but such is how it is.
This game really exposed how community and fans and developers can intermingle and I'm hoping this concept takes off. We're not just clients and cash cows. We're people that enjoy your game offerings.
By the same token, this game showed me that devs aren't usually people locked up in offices programming all day being non-social. Lots of things learned and misconceptions tossed aside.
What 1vs100 fan wouldn't want this?
1vs100 returns this winter. Time to brush up on trivia, and new jokes!
DiRT 2
What can I say? Codemasters hit it right on the nose. Enjoying this game immensely and it's simply surreal how realistic, fluid and engaging game play can be. For the first time in a while, I'm really taking my time absorbing all the game has to offer. No rushing needed or required. DiRT2 is a gem and deserves quality time spent to experience it all.
Frankly, I was surprised with this game, and I'm glad it's part of my gaming library.
So, what now?
Well, as the blog title says.. this blog serves as an extension of tweets. Frequent postings aren't guaranteed, but should a particular tweet tangent need embellishment - check here!
Thanks for reading, and hope you visit often.
Oh ya, to those that celebrate it. Happy 16 de Septiembre.
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