Friday, February 26, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Mass Effect Spoof: Criminal Batarian
To think hearing Mordin singing Gilbert and Sullivan out of some random notion wasn't funny enough (already had me bursting out for 5 minutes straight), this random spoof of 'Scientist Salarian' had me bursting out even more. Boy, my tummy sure is aching now...
Criminal Batarian:
I am the very model of a criminal batarian
I've sold off species turian, human and salarian
I am quite good at murdering, especially execution
Because i hate humanity, i would like retribution
Where i go on slave runs range from urban to agrarian
I am the very model of a criminal batarian
Criminal Batarian:
I am the very model of a criminal batarian
I've sold off species turian, human and salarian
I am quite good at murdering, especially execution
Because i hate humanity, i would like retribution
Where i go on slave runs range from urban to agrarian
I am the very model of a criminal batarian
Monday, February 8, 2010
Super Bowl XLIV: Saints 31 - Colts 17
I've been following the Superbowl since 2007 (XLI), and this game has been the first I've actually watched live (thanks to school). Boy was it exhilarating, especially in the second half. To be frank I'm neither a fan of either team, but for some reason I decided to support the Saints (the Darkhorse of the competition) this time.
Many commentators have said this game would indeed be a thrill and a very close game (3-7 points), as both teams have strong offense and a relatively mediocre defense. Of course like everyone else, many believe the game would core down to Brees Vs Manning. Statistically it is undisputed that Manning is the better player, however interestingly enough Brees's record this season brought him ahead of Tom Brady making him the 2nd best.
To be honest, the first half was rather disappointing. Both teams played it rather safe. Stover's 38 Yard Field Goal and Manning's trademark 19 yard pass to Garcon for a touch down lead the Indianapolis Colts for a comfortable 10 - 0 lead in the first quarter. This was countered by 2 46 and 44 yard Field Goals by Hartley in the second quarter for 10 - 6 lead in favor of the Colts by the first half. The Saints could have had their first touch down, if not for some brave last minute defending off the 2 yard line.
When 'The Who' were playing, me and SaintB were constantly bitching on MSN how poorly the first half went, and how safe it was. Seriously I mean, when was the last time a team in the Superbowl didn't even score a single touchdown by the half-time mark? I don't know seriously. All we could hope for is a much better second half from the Saints and the Colts.
In an almost god-like answer, the 3rd Quarter started off with a bang. The Saints started off with an onside kick to regain possession (after a giant mash-up), catching everyone off guard, eventually finishing the unexpected drive with their first touchdown. 13 - 10 in favor of the Saints. In an almost instantaneous response, Manning and the Colts responded with a touchdown, courtesy of an exuberant run by Joseph Addai to bring the Colts once again into the lead, 17 - 13. In the Saint's drive, they decided to go for a Field Goal (much to my frustration) by the 47 Yard line, and Hartley duly delivered. They were however still trailing 16 - 17. It would be a pivotal final quarter.
The forth quarter saw a rather panicky display. P. Manning made numerous incomplete passes (unacceptable for his caliber), which inevitably led to a New Orleans Drive which dejavued them back to the 3 yard line, in which they failed to pass in the first quarter after 3 attempts. This time however, it was different. A 2 Yard pass to Shockley, whom collapsed into his marker and into the touchdown line brought the Saints forward. In sheer luck, they earned an extra 2 points after what was thought by everyone to be a fumble. Saints lead 24 - 17 with 5 minutes and 47 seconds to play. The Colts needed a Touch Down and 2 Extra points to lead (or basically need to repeat what the Saints just exactly did). Manning rallied his troops for attack, easing pass the Saints' defense to the 50 yard line. However, it was here where the Saints' started to show their defensive prowess. A couple of incomplete passes, and a near turnover stalled the Colts' onslaught. Then, in a very rare occasion, P. Manning's ball was intercepted (Manning only had his passes intercepted 16 times in the entire year). Tracy Porter, undoubtedly one of the fastest players on the field zipped past the bewildered Colts to score the final touchdown of the game with 3 minutes plus of play. By then, the Saints had a comfortable lead and the Superbowl was likely to be in the books... well not quite. The final few minutes saw the Colts attempting and failing numerous attempts to get passes into the end zone. By the 31st second after a incomplete Manning pass into the Red Zone, the Colts finally conceded defeat.
It was the first win for the Saints, and a hell of a game for me to type my entire recollection out. Well played to the Saints, especially Drew Brees who made 32 complete passes out of 39 attempts, a whopping 82% for the game. (I think that's a Superbowl record)
Probably a more accurate highlight:
Also a good recap video for the Saints' journey to the Super Bowl...
WHO DAT! (Just for once)
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
China's path to destruction
China is probably Asia's finger to Western domination in the 20th century. China has delivered one of the fastest growths in history, lifting millions of citizens out of poverty in a short period of time. Disguised under the Communist banner, the Government of China has implemented numerous economic programs that Hitler and Stalin would be proud of indeed. By distorting the country's economic market structure, the Chinese have created a fast growing economy completely immune to any crisis. Who needs Newton when you can defy the laws of gravity eh?
Well sadly, this artificial miracle would be coming to an end... eventually, the only question is not if China's Economy will tank, it's when. The answer is simply, we don't really know. It could be as early as this year or as late as twenty years down the road. One thing is for certain, the longer you delay a crisis, the harder it will hit when it comes.
China's Q4 GDP Growth for 2009 has once again reached double figures, while the US and EU Economies (The largest of China's trade partners) have barely recovered. So where exactly is China exporting their goods to? The fact is, no where. In 2008, nearly 20 million Chinese workers leaving the toy factory lines to the States as consumerism in the United States fell, and American personal savings rate surged to it's highest in 30 years. (Yes even Obama's Tax Cuts didn't help)
So how in the world did China, whose exports nearly account for more than a third of it's gross domestic product get it's growth from?
Simply. From stimulus. No, not the tiny winy $4 Trillion Yuan one. (We all know that is just bull) It's the $790bn USD of liquidity the State banks injected into the system sort of stimulus. $790bn... that's literally Singapore's entire economy multiplied by four.
With production crapping, economic infrastructure in complete overcapacity, virtually all of this money is channeled into property, derivatives and stocks. Wonderful. The entire country of China has turned into a gambling den, where speculators are king (for now) and the average hardworking Chinese is just a piece of shit.
Thankfully, Karma will always be a bitch and what goes up for these little criminals must and will always come down. Without the proper wages to cope with such massive inflation in the property nor productivity to match the confidence of rising stocks it's inevitable that these will come to a sticky end.
How would it end?
I shall use Vincent Fernado's hilarious 'China's 14 Dominoes Of Destruction' to describe.
1. Too much government stimulus has led to...
2. Too much export reliance, which generated...
3. Too many dollars and...
4. Too much liquidity. This transformed into...
5. Too much bank lending, fueling...
6. Too much manufacturing capacity, and coddling...
7. Too many inefficient companies. Yet these businesses are needed to absorb China's...
8. Too many migrant job seekers, who are filled with...
9. Too high expectations as a result of...
10. Too rapid economic change. Yet this growth must happen to avoid...
11. Too many elderly poor in the future, and...
12. Too much public distrust. Caused by...
13. Too many restrictions of information and power. All of which has fomented...
14. Too much social tension. All kept under control by too much economic growth and stimulus! Thus there are...
Too many ways this can go wrong
GERONIMO!
Well sadly, this artificial miracle would be coming to an end... eventually, the only question is not if China's Economy will tank, it's when. The answer is simply, we don't really know. It could be as early as this year or as late as twenty years down the road. One thing is for certain, the longer you delay a crisis, the harder it will hit when it comes.
China's Q4 GDP Growth for 2009 has once again reached double figures, while the US and EU Economies (The largest of China's trade partners) have barely recovered. So where exactly is China exporting their goods to? The fact is, no where. In 2008, nearly 20 million Chinese workers leaving the toy factory lines to the States as consumerism in the United States fell, and American personal savings rate surged to it's highest in 30 years. (Yes even Obama's Tax Cuts didn't help)
So how in the world did China, whose exports nearly account for more than a third of it's gross domestic product get it's growth from?
Simply. From stimulus. No, not the tiny winy $4 Trillion Yuan one. (We all know that is just bull) It's the $790bn USD of liquidity the State banks injected into the system sort of stimulus. $790bn... that's literally Singapore's entire economy multiplied by four.
With production crapping, economic infrastructure in complete overcapacity, virtually all of this money is channeled into property, derivatives and stocks. Wonderful. The entire country of China has turned into a gambling den, where speculators are king (for now) and the average hardworking Chinese is just a piece of shit.
Thankfully, Karma will always be a bitch and what goes up for these little criminals must and will always come down. Without the proper wages to cope with such massive inflation in the property nor productivity to match the confidence of rising stocks it's inevitable that these will come to a sticky end.
How would it end?
I shall use Vincent Fernado's hilarious 'China's 14 Dominoes Of Destruction' to describe.
1. Too much government stimulus has led to...
2. Too much export reliance, which generated...
3. Too many dollars and...
4. Too much liquidity. This transformed into...
5. Too much bank lending, fueling...
6. Too much manufacturing capacity, and coddling...
7. Too many inefficient companies. Yet these businesses are needed to absorb China's...
8. Too many migrant job seekers, who are filled with...
9. Too high expectations as a result of...
10. Too rapid economic change. Yet this growth must happen to avoid...
11. Too many elderly poor in the future, and...
12. Too much public distrust. Caused by...
13. Too many restrictions of information and power. All of which has fomented...
14. Too much social tension. All kept under control by too much economic growth and stimulus! Thus there are...
Too many ways this can go wrong
GERONIMO!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
MAG First Impressions
Don't ask me why, after weeks of being immersed (and frustrated) at Football Manager 2010, I forgotten the MAG Public Beta was due on Jan 4, 2010. It was only today, after extreme boredom and listening to Brad Paisley's songs over and over did I remember this. Alright, enough crap talk - let's get started.
With the interesting prelude (or introduction) - cool looking entree to the world of PMCs, I was asked to pick a side. There are three factions, each have the exact same weapon loadouts only different styles (mainly in apparel only). Valor is of American influence, Raven looks like a high-tech Eurocorps, and SVER are just a bunch of gangsters in Russia and Central Asia (I'm serious).
With that aside, I chose SVER without any reason whatsoever. Before jumping into the fray, I decided to go into the 'Barracks' and 'Armory' to check things out. The character customization is pretty neat to be frank, with perks and weapon unlocks which felt sightly different of Call of Duty's (which is a good refreshing thing). With all that done, I turned my guy into a big-ass Juggernaut; wearing the thickest armor possible, carrying the biggest gun and an RPG that is slung on his shoulder. With my avatar ready, I jumped into the game ready to kick some ass. But before I could get the hang of the controls, I found myself being sniped to death just walking to the objectives... boy what a start.
After dying numerous times and killing a few, my used-to-be dexterous shooter hands came back to me. However, it was a case of too little too late as the game ended, ironically with a victory despite my poor performance. I leveled, twice in fact and started pumping more of these "skill points" to customize my character even more. With my enhanced character, and an attitude to kick some butt - unlucky Raven was my... or should I say my team's unlucky foe. 64 players may be a little chaotic on paper, but MAG somehow manages to balance the map to ensure it dosen't turn into one major cluster@#$^. Engagements felt balanced, but not clean. Grenades were blowing up everywhere, RPGs were flying all over - yes I know what you're thinking... Call of Duty on steroids. While the guns don't feel and sound exactly strong, like COD, it dosen't take too many bullets to bring down a guy (I like!) which can be satisfying when you're giving it, frustrating when you're getting it.
Nevertheless, MAG does have some potential which requires a few polishing ups here and there... you know to ambiance and all that. But even without that, it's more or less a buy for me when it comes out on Jan 26th of this year and hopefully I will try and publish out a personal review of the retail version.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
2009 Year In Review: Games
It's a year... WOW. New Year felt like it was just yesterday (ok I am just kidding) and now Christmas is over and the other new year is around the corner. Great. In order for this jiffy year to have at least some recollections (and my boredom to a minimum) I decided to make a few 'Year In Review' posts to... you know...
Let's start with Games. My Games. 2009 was a great year for games despite the economic downturn. I decided to list the top games based on their genres.
Best Shooter: Killzone 2
This year (like many other years before), we've been thrown numerous crappy shooters designed to milk every penny out of us (*cough* Call of Duty *cough*). Whilst personally I have lost much of that hunger for more of this genre due to the 'shooter overdose', I decided to give Killzone 2 the king of shooters for 2009. Yes, nothing interesting in the game play (pretty much like all shooters), Call of Duty 4 like multiplayer system and somewhat repetitive shooting. Killzone 2 personally scores for me in ambiance, length and it's sweet looking graphics. These factors are good enough to top this game in the list of shooters for 2009, above Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Borderlands and Left 4 Dead 2.
Best Action/Adventure: Uncharted 2
Uncharted 2... gosh was this a breath of fresh air when I played it. Witty dialogues, great multiplayer types, good amounts of content, great storyline and orgasmic graphics that make you drool. Uncharted 2 was certainly a great adventure for me. It's use of Marco Polo's lost fleet was certainly smart and I was completely driven into the game from start to finish. The levels were a variety of stealth, brawl and guns, all delivered in a great package. The characters are extremely likable and the environment... absolutely stunning. Naughty Dog certainly came in leaps and bounds against all other major competitors (which are great games themselves) such as Batman: Arkham Asylum, Assassin's Creed II and Infamous.
Best Sports: NHL 10
Never been a fan of Hockey until I played this game. Whilst due to budgetary reasons I don't own this game myself, I loved the demo and had a blast over at my friend's playing this game. I was actually tempted to get Fifa 10 on the list, but annoying bugs, the exploits from the new 'set piece' creation and the completely broken manager mode just can't seem to make it to the top list for sports. As for NHL 10, I really enjoyed the fight sequences (or rather the ability to do so) and how realistic the game is - I mean literally. Opposing team mates can get mad should you take a shot at their goal after the whistle, and the 360 passing system really brings about the flow (and chaos) of hockey like in real life. Oh by the way, Washington Capitals for the win!
Best Strategy: Empire Total War
Possibly the only main reason why this is top is because it's the only decent strategy game on the market out there. Yes, the game certainly had potential. It was a great choice in terms of the gunpowder-enlightenment setting, but the exploits, disappointing naval battles, loads of stupid bugs and the retarded AI that makes Burnside look like a genius certainly made it fell short of greatness like Rome Total War. Overall, totally undeserved... a good sign for PC Game developers to shut their shooters and get their ass working on more brain games over shooters that require little mental capacity. *Rant over*
Best Roleplaying: Dragon Age: Origins
Possibly one of the greatest Roleplaying Games apart from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Bioware brought forward much of the pluses of that game into this - Dragon Age: Origins. The playing options in this are immense, ever decision changes the ending. Whilst the no-respawn may tick many people off (including myself), that's possibly the only (along with the graphics) minor issue the game faces. Apart from that, the game is incredibly long (easily a hundred hours with all side quests) and the story is absolutely incredible. Also, the numerous character types, race and background all completely affect the way people, the story and your skills in the game, making replaying that game an absolute must. The console version may fall short over the PC in terms of tactical options, it's still epic on all platforms.
Let's start with Games. My Games. 2009 was a great year for games despite the economic downturn. I decided to list the top games based on their genres.
Best Shooter: Killzone 2
This year (like many other years before), we've been thrown numerous crappy shooters designed to milk every penny out of us (*cough* Call of Duty *cough*). Whilst personally I have lost much of that hunger for more of this genre due to the 'shooter overdose', I decided to give Killzone 2 the king of shooters for 2009. Yes, nothing interesting in the game play (pretty much like all shooters), Call of Duty 4 like multiplayer system and somewhat repetitive shooting. Killzone 2 personally scores for me in ambiance, length and it's sweet looking graphics. These factors are good enough to top this game in the list of shooters for 2009, above Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Borderlands and Left 4 Dead 2.
Best Action/Adventure: Uncharted 2
Uncharted 2... gosh was this a breath of fresh air when I played it. Witty dialogues, great multiplayer types, good amounts of content, great storyline and orgasmic graphics that make you drool. Uncharted 2 was certainly a great adventure for me. It's use of Marco Polo's lost fleet was certainly smart and I was completely driven into the game from start to finish. The levels were a variety of stealth, brawl and guns, all delivered in a great package. The characters are extremely likable and the environment... absolutely stunning. Naughty Dog certainly came in leaps and bounds against all other major competitors (which are great games themselves) such as Batman: Arkham Asylum, Assassin's Creed II and Infamous.
Best Sports: NHL 10
Never been a fan of Hockey until I played this game. Whilst due to budgetary reasons I don't own this game myself, I loved the demo and had a blast over at my friend's playing this game. I was actually tempted to get Fifa 10 on the list, but annoying bugs, the exploits from the new 'set piece' creation and the completely broken manager mode just can't seem to make it to the top list for sports. As for NHL 10, I really enjoyed the fight sequences (or rather the ability to do so) and how realistic the game is - I mean literally. Opposing team mates can get mad should you take a shot at their goal after the whistle, and the 360 passing system really brings about the flow (and chaos) of hockey like in real life. Oh by the way, Washington Capitals for the win!
Best Strategy: Empire Total War
Possibly the only main reason why this is top is because it's the only decent strategy game on the market out there. Yes, the game certainly had potential. It was a great choice in terms of the gunpowder-enlightenment setting, but the exploits, disappointing naval battles, loads of stupid bugs and the retarded AI that makes Burnside look like a genius certainly made it fell short of greatness like Rome Total War. Overall, totally undeserved... a good sign for PC Game developers to shut their shooters and get their ass working on more brain games over shooters that require little mental capacity. *Rant over*
Best Roleplaying: Dragon Age: Origins
Possibly one of the greatest Roleplaying Games apart from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Bioware brought forward much of the pluses of that game into this - Dragon Age: Origins. The playing options in this are immense, ever decision changes the ending. Whilst the no-respawn may tick many people off (including myself), that's possibly the only (along with the graphics) minor issue the game faces. Apart from that, the game is incredibly long (easily a hundred hours with all side quests) and the story is absolutely incredible. Also, the numerous character types, race and background all completely affect the way people, the story and your skills in the game, making replaying that game an absolute must. The console version may fall short over the PC in terms of tactical options, it's still epic on all platforms.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas
It's Christmas! Well, is there anything else to add? Merry Christmas too all, and have a happy holiday (for most) - religious or secular of your free choosing. I pretty much mentioned what I wanted to mention on my personal front for christmas this year, and well let's say the party was all but lackluster and I sure did have a decent time with whomever that came over last night till countdown.
In a few minutes time it would be boxing day, so this post is indeed a little late for blog viewers in Singapore, and certainly overtime for those in Australia. God, why in the world am I typing this?
Anyhow, once again Merry Christmas to all - This is indeed a poor post.
Before I sign off, I was hoping maybe in the future we could have a real medieval Dies Natalis Solis Invicti meal for the next Christmas gathering (like the one above). The food was great nonetheless, but can we please ditch the curry and the sushi? Those two dishes somehow felt like some cultural mix fail of massive proportions, and they certainly didn't go well with all the roasted meat on the table.
Whatever.
In a few minutes time it would be boxing day, so this post is indeed a little late for blog viewers in Singapore, and certainly overtime for those in Australia. God, why in the world am I typing this?
Anyhow, once again Merry Christmas to all - This is indeed a poor post.
Before I sign off, I was hoping maybe in the future we could have a real medieval Dies Natalis Solis Invicti meal for the next Christmas gathering (like the one above). The food was great nonetheless, but can we please ditch the curry and the sushi? Those two dishes somehow felt like some cultural mix fail of massive proportions, and they certainly didn't go well with all the roasted meat on the table.
Whatever.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
My 2009 Christmas Song Pick
It's going to be Christmas soon in about a day's time. Sure, Christmas certainly has lost lots of it's festive mood as the age progresses. I remembered being completely pumped up for the 25th of the last month when I was in pre-secondary, but now... it has lost lots of it's personal significants. Physical presents become less important, and I guess presents have grown to relationships (on all levels), friends and family.
I am glad I haven't lost most of my friends (and family of course) in our numerous Christmas gatherings that have been practiced by us for nearly a decade now, that were all thankfully unscathed - Something that will certainly not last forever. Thus I shall make it a point to enjoy whatever Christmas parties we have (and are going to have) together before the moment is gone, and before we think about the Christmases when you were mine.
Well, I might to have admit, the lyrics might be a little to extreme for friendships... but whatever, just shut up and listen.
I am glad I haven't lost most of my friends (and family of course) in our numerous Christmas gatherings that have been practiced by us for nearly a decade now, that were all thankfully unscathed - Something that will certainly not last forever. Thus I shall make it a point to enjoy whatever Christmas parties we have (and are going to have) together before the moment is gone, and before we think about the Christmases when you were mine.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Quotes of the Week: Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826
3rd President of the United States of America
April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826
3rd President of the United States of America
First and foremost before I begin, the main reason why I am doing this is because I am absolutely bored, and I just like to quote from famous (and mostly dead) people. I shall start off with Thomas Jefferson simply because I personally think he is the best American President of all time whom develops philosophies far beyond his current generation. Undoubtedly, his work was one of the bold pillars of the French Revolution and his ideologies of the American Republic still resonates within the true conservative republican front today. Aside from that, he makes good Mac and Cheese and my birthday is only a day before his.
My Quote Picks:
"Happiness is not being pained in body or troubled in mind."
"Be polite to all, but intimate with few."
"But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine."
"Delay is preferable to error."
"Truth is certainly a branch of morality and a very important one to society."
My Quote Picks:
"Happiness is not being pained in body or troubled in mind."
"Be polite to all, but intimate with few."
"But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine."
"Delay is preferable to error."
"Truth is certainly a branch of morality and a very important one to society."
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