Those that know me, understand how much of a hardcore fan I am of 1vs100 on XBL. - Even surgery can't keep me away.
Alas, when trying to play the LIVE game this evening, I ran into quite a bit of network errors. I tweeted this to 1vs100 and another contact, and within minutes they're replying wanting to know more info as to the problem.
I begin a series of tweets explaining the errors and issues and I even get direct messages and requests to contact yet another individual for further help.
This person contacts Xbox Network Ops center to verify my fiber connection in S.TX/Texas et al. I heave a sigh of relief knowing the problem didn't appear to come from my end. Afterall, I would of felt quite the idiot tweeting the issues I was having if their origin was here. Alas, it appears the problem may be closer to XboxLand and they'll know more Monday.
I write this because I've heralded Xbox and especially those running 1vs100 previously on being nearly transparent with their players. It's a breath of fresh air to have near direct contact with the team - whether it be for game suggestions, comments, complaints and as the case was tonight, when *1* person out of what I would guess were thousands playing, is having a technical problem.
The game, and its premise is unique and quite entertaining, but, in the end, it's the people behind the scenes that really make that game shine! Tonight, I felt like "The One." - Individuals MADE THE TIME to try to figure out what's going on with some S. Texan's connection problems while a LIVE game was on? Mercy.
The game rocks, yes. But the people behind it, and their genuine display of concern for the players pushes the envelope of game company and players/fans.
Thanksgiving was yesterday, and many of my thanks were directed to the 1vs100 team. Their actions tonight further quantifies my loyalty and trust in them.
To those that tried helping me earlier this evening - A deep and heartfelt THANKS!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
1vs100 - Season 2 (EP/LIVE)
So, here we go. Approximately 1 month earlier than originally announced (ala Winter), 1vs100 Season 2 debuts.
Let's flashback to 11/19/09. I unfortunately, leave work later than usual. I hit almost every red traffic light and slowest driver on my way home.
Alas, I make it, turn on the Xbox and get ready to start 1vs100 EP. I'm joined by a good friend as I take a look at the new features, artwork, camera angles/swings and just overall feel for the game.
Clearly, lots of work was put into the presentation, execution and production of the game. It moves at a faster pace. It's much more fluid, and so much eye-candy going on, that frankly, I didn't really pay too much attention to the questions. Along side I'm chatting away with my buddy, that well, I'm surprised I was unlocking some achievements throughout.
Overall, EP conveyed a no sugar coating feel - that means business. One final note on EP - the game area is HUGE! Awesome work by the artists.
Now onto 11/20 - 1vs100 LIVE - What a trip! Again, the same re-designed eye-candy, camera angles and shots. The One being a bit more mobile adds to the realism of the game. Unfortunately, I played the game without friends, so it was a tad "quiet". But I must give accolades to the 3 other players I was paired with for being quick-witted, and for keeping me and my mind sharp!
The 2 hours went quickly, and for the first time ever since I've played the game, I was able to hear Chris Cashman (host), 100% throughout. Even though I noticed some of the advertisements being out of sync, I still call it a flawless display of ingenuity, presentation, and most importantly execution of what I know is a very complicated and technical process!
I "leveled up" quite a bit in the game, and saw some additional "badges" that was a nice touch.
On a sidenote: Whomever decided to select my favorite music track during the "round summary" gets a keg of beer (or favorite beverage) of their choice.
Alas, the intensity and suspense, along with rootin' for the One or feeling dismay when they lost - carried over from Season 1 BETA. That to me shows that no matter the cosmetic and asthetic changes, the overall feel of the game was retained.
The only 2 things I noticed or did miss was the jumbotron avatar crowd introductions from Season 1. I got used to AMPing as my avatar was displayed on the big screen. That, appears to be gone in Season 2.
The other thing I noticed was fewer avatar shots of me AMPing like a fool. Is this a deal breaker? Nah.
Much congratulations and back patting are in order for all involved. Is the game perfect and cleanly polished? No. But, just when you think the full potential of the game has been realized, MGS & Team 1vs100 have re-pioneered the experience - taking no prisoners along the way.
Let's flashback to 11/19/09. I unfortunately, leave work later than usual. I hit almost every red traffic light and slowest driver on my way home.
Alas, I make it, turn on the Xbox and get ready to start 1vs100 EP. I'm joined by a good friend as I take a look at the new features, artwork, camera angles/swings and just overall feel for the game.
Clearly, lots of work was put into the presentation, execution and production of the game. It moves at a faster pace. It's much more fluid, and so much eye-candy going on, that frankly, I didn't really pay too much attention to the questions. Along side I'm chatting away with my buddy, that well, I'm surprised I was unlocking some achievements throughout.
Overall, EP conveyed a no sugar coating feel - that means business. One final note on EP - the game area is HUGE! Awesome work by the artists.
Now onto 11/20 - 1vs100 LIVE - What a trip! Again, the same re-designed eye-candy, camera angles and shots. The One being a bit more mobile adds to the realism of the game. Unfortunately, I played the game without friends, so it was a tad "quiet". But I must give accolades to the 3 other players I was paired with for being quick-witted, and for keeping me and my mind sharp!
The 2 hours went quickly, and for the first time ever since I've played the game, I was able to hear Chris Cashman (host), 100% throughout. Even though I noticed some of the advertisements being out of sync, I still call it a flawless display of ingenuity, presentation, and most importantly execution of what I know is a very complicated and technical process!
I "leveled up" quite a bit in the game, and saw some additional "badges" that was a nice touch.
On a sidenote: Whomever decided to select my favorite music track during the "round summary" gets a keg of beer (or favorite beverage) of their choice.
Alas, the intensity and suspense, along with rootin' for the One or feeling dismay when they lost - carried over from Season 1 BETA. That to me shows that no matter the cosmetic and asthetic changes, the overall feel of the game was retained.
The only 2 things I noticed or did miss was the jumbotron avatar crowd introductions from Season 1. I got used to AMPing as my avatar was displayed on the big screen. That, appears to be gone in Season 2.
The other thing I noticed was fewer avatar shots of me AMPing like a fool. Is this a deal breaker? Nah.
Much congratulations and back patting are in order for all involved. Is the game perfect and cleanly polished? No. But, just when you think the full potential of the game has been realized, MGS & Team 1vs100 have re-pioneered the experience - taking no prisoners along the way.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Oxygene 8 Remix
Following-up from the last entry...
After a couple of weeks of production and tweakin', I present.
After a couple of weeks of production and tweakin', I present.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Jarre revisited...
Many, many eons ago, I recall going into a record shop - back then, albums/LPs were in full display. I was hankerin' for some "space" music for some reason. Being a creature of music, enjoying all types, this seemed to be the norm.
On this day, the following caught my eye.
..and thus I was introduced to Jean-Michel Jarre.
A great... no, wait... GENIUS composer of electronic music. When I discovered these works, he was virtually unknown. Now, a quick search on YouTube - and he's no longer obscure. He's known for the electronic genre and city-wide concerts - though, it appears the concerts (at least to my knowledge) have become less frequent. (Would of loved to have attended "The 12 Dreams of The Sun" outdoor concert which herald in the year 2000. - sigh...)
This past weekend, I came across an old CD "Oxygene 8" which was a set of mixes showcasing a track for the then upcoming "Oxygene 7-13". Made some time and re-mixed the CD into one track.
Next step is to come up with appropriate visuals in terms of video so as to coincide with the mix. Soon, I shall share this with others hoping to add to the growing collection of Jarre related videos on YouTube.
Stay tuned!
On this day, the following caught my eye.
A great... no, wait... GENIUS composer of electronic music. When I discovered these works, he was virtually unknown. Now, a quick search on YouTube - and he's no longer obscure. He's known for the electronic genre and city-wide concerts - though, it appears the concerts (at least to my knowledge) have become less frequent. (Would of loved to have attended "The 12 Dreams of The Sun" outdoor concert which herald in the year 2000. - sigh...)
This past weekend, I came across an old CD "Oxygene 8" which was a set of mixes showcasing a track for the then upcoming "Oxygene 7-13". Made some time and re-mixed the CD into one track.
Next step is to come up with appropriate visuals in terms of video so as to coincide with the mix. Soon, I shall share this with others hoping to add to the growing collection of Jarre related videos on YouTube.
Stay tuned!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The days after...
Well, I'm back.
Surgery day was loooong. Arrived at the hospital around 8am (appointment was @ 8:30a) - but my name wasn't called until around 1pm. That puts it around 15 hours without eating food. Man, I was hungry!
It didn't help that the waiting room was footsteps away from the hospital cafeteria, though I heard from my nurse later in pre-op, that the food selection wasn't that great that day.
The hospital experience does have some flaws. First, registration desk guy should just stick to saying "good morning", verifying the surgical appointment and giving the patient their wrist tag. Leave the accounting, and any other billing questions for the appropriate department and not further stress patients on THE DAY OF THEIR SURGERY with payment questions. Plus, how am I to pay 20% of a procedure that hasn't been performed? Jeez. The hospital will get paid, and based on the statement I just received, a good chunk of that payment from my last surgery was covered by my insurance. So what's the problem?
Spending about 5 hours in the waiting room, leaves much to be desired. No real updates on when you'll be "next", and I must say, for me, being an adult and having to deal with this, I can only imagine the number of children there having to endure the same, but with shorter attention spans. The hospital should invest in having a "kids friendly" waiting room full of toys and other forms of entertainment for them while they wait.
Also, what's with the timid voices when calling patients? I spent half my time trying to hear the names called. Almost as if the nurse was scared of the room full of people? WTF?
Alas, once you're in, the "king" treatment begins. I can go on for hours on how everyone inside treats you well, and attends to your every question and need.
One way I deal with stressful situations is to just be humorous. By this time, I was in my gown (which I still wonder why they call it that when half your body is nearly exposed) and needed to pay a restroom visit. I walked by a nurse station saying "quick, runaway patient.. runaway patient" while attempting to keep my gown in place ... they all laughed. I then stopped to ask for directions to where I needed to go.
It took a while for my pre-op nurse to arrive, but, what a nice person. As soon as she walked in, I turned over to mom and said.. "Hey, it's time to order in food! -- I'll have a few hamburgers, fries, and a vanilla shake.." Whereby my nurse laughed and said.. "Yep, sure.. coming right up... let me see your arm."
She asked some pre-op questions, and through some question and answering found that I may indeed be allergic to morphine - based on what happened last month in my prior surgery. =o/
Alas, it came time to stick me with the IV which is always FUN (not), and get the drugs going.
About 20 mins later, the OR nurse arrived, verified who I was and off we went. I said "Laters" to mom, and my journey to the OR began. Like last time, the OR was full of music, but this time 80's era. Last time it was rock and roll.
I found my OR nurse had a very nice voice and was singing away. I was moving my feet back and forth in rhythm. As more OR personnel arrived, I tried to convince them to exchange the surgical lights for a disco ball, and that we could just forego the surgery and have a little dance party. - didn't work.
My anesthesiologist arrived. What a sweetheart. She looked down, and said "How ya doing, honey?" I told her she was my BFF (knowing my life would soon be in her hands) and she laughed and said... "Yep, sweetie, we are."
She then placed a mask over my face, telling me it was oxygen, and that she was about to put me to sleep. I remember her saying.. "You're going to go to sleep now, but, everything will be just fine, honey.. Don't worry about a thing."
{BLACKNESS}
I awake what turns out to be like an hour or so later to find myself in post-op recovery. To my pleasant surprise, the same nurse that attended me last time, was there. I slowly woke up, got my bearings and say.. "Hey, I know you." She replied.. "You're back? You must like it here." Mom shows up, and of course the worried look on her face. I tried to hide the pain to ease her a bit, but you can't fool mothers. She knew things were different this time.
As the drugs wore off, the pain kicked in quick, and for a moment, there was a discussion of keeping me at the hospital overnight. Some more drugs were administered and when asked if I wanted the pill or shot variety, I quickly went for the injection. Odd, since I hate needles, but definitely a sure sign that the pain I was experiencing was worse.
Time passed, and eventually I was wheeled to my mom's vehicle and as always, don't remember how I arrived at home.
Overall, except for the stupidity of the registration clerk, and 5 hour wait, the ordeal I'm sure could of gone a hell of a lot worse. Right now, recovery is slow, I'm sleeping but 4 hours at a time due to pain and occasional bleeding, but, definitely making my way towards recovery. I'm not rushing it though... this was a doozy of a procedure and my body will say "when."
For now, I'm taking things slow. I'm glad it's over, and here's hoping this is the last of it.
Surgery day was loooong. Arrived at the hospital around 8am (appointment was @ 8:30a) - but my name wasn't called until around 1pm. That puts it around 15 hours without eating food. Man, I was hungry!
It didn't help that the waiting room was footsteps away from the hospital cafeteria, though I heard from my nurse later in pre-op, that the food selection wasn't that great that day.
The hospital experience does have some flaws. First, registration desk guy should just stick to saying "good morning", verifying the surgical appointment and giving the patient their wrist tag. Leave the accounting, and any other billing questions for the appropriate department and not further stress patients on THE DAY OF THEIR SURGERY with payment questions. Plus, how am I to pay 20% of a procedure that hasn't been performed? Jeez. The hospital will get paid, and based on the statement I just received, a good chunk of that payment from my last surgery was covered by my insurance. So what's the problem?
Spending about 5 hours in the waiting room, leaves much to be desired. No real updates on when you'll be "next", and I must say, for me, being an adult and having to deal with this, I can only imagine the number of children there having to endure the same, but with shorter attention spans. The hospital should invest in having a "kids friendly" waiting room full of toys and other forms of entertainment for them while they wait.
Also, what's with the timid voices when calling patients? I spent half my time trying to hear the names called. Almost as if the nurse was scared of the room full of people? WTF?
Alas, once you're in, the "king" treatment begins. I can go on for hours on how everyone inside treats you well, and attends to your every question and need.
One way I deal with stressful situations is to just be humorous. By this time, I was in my gown (which I still wonder why they call it that when half your body is nearly exposed) and needed to pay a restroom visit. I walked by a nurse station saying "quick, runaway patient.. runaway patient" while attempting to keep my gown in place ... they all laughed. I then stopped to ask for directions to where I needed to go.
It took a while for my pre-op nurse to arrive, but, what a nice person. As soon as she walked in, I turned over to mom and said.. "Hey, it's time to order in food! -- I'll have a few hamburgers, fries, and a vanilla shake.." Whereby my nurse laughed and said.. "Yep, sure.. coming right up... let me see your arm."
She asked some pre-op questions, and through some question and answering found that I may indeed be allergic to morphine - based on what happened last month in my prior surgery. =o/
Alas, it came time to stick me with the IV which is always FUN (not), and get the drugs going.
About 20 mins later, the OR nurse arrived, verified who I was and off we went. I said "Laters" to mom, and my journey to the OR began. Like last time, the OR was full of music, but this time 80's era. Last time it was rock and roll.
I found my OR nurse had a very nice voice and was singing away. I was moving my feet back and forth in rhythm. As more OR personnel arrived, I tried to convince them to exchange the surgical lights for a disco ball, and that we could just forego the surgery and have a little dance party. - didn't work.
My anesthesiologist arrived. What a sweetheart. She looked down, and said "How ya doing, honey?" I told her she was my BFF (knowing my life would soon be in her hands) and she laughed and said... "Yep, sweetie, we are."
She then placed a mask over my face, telling me it was oxygen, and that she was about to put me to sleep. I remember her saying.. "You're going to go to sleep now, but, everything will be just fine, honey.. Don't worry about a thing."
{BLACKNESS}
I awake what turns out to be like an hour or so later to find myself in post-op recovery. To my pleasant surprise, the same nurse that attended me last time, was there. I slowly woke up, got my bearings and say.. "Hey, I know you." She replied.. "You're back? You must like it here." Mom shows up, and of course the worried look on her face. I tried to hide the pain to ease her a bit, but you can't fool mothers. She knew things were different this time.
As the drugs wore off, the pain kicked in quick, and for a moment, there was a discussion of keeping me at the hospital overnight. Some more drugs were administered and when asked if I wanted the pill or shot variety, I quickly went for the injection. Odd, since I hate needles, but definitely a sure sign that the pain I was experiencing was worse.
Time passed, and eventually I was wheeled to my mom's vehicle and as always, don't remember how I arrived at home.
Overall, except for the stupidity of the registration clerk, and 5 hour wait, the ordeal I'm sure could of gone a hell of a lot worse. Right now, recovery is slow, I'm sleeping but 4 hours at a time due to pain and occasional bleeding, but, definitely making my way towards recovery. I'm not rushing it though... this was a doozy of a procedure and my body will say "when."
For now, I'm taking things slow. I'm glad it's over, and here's hoping this is the last of it.
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